Monica Duffy Toft Libri

A fresh and illuminating perspective on the surge in religion's political influence across the globe.

Focusing on the critical influence of territory, this work introduces a theory that elucidates the dynamics of ethnic violence, civil wars, terrorism, and even interstate conflicts. By exploring the geographical aspects of these violent occurrences, the author aims to provide a comprehensive framework that can inform effective policy initiatives. The insights offered promise to reduce the likelihood and severity of ethnic violence, guiding policymakers towards sustainable solutions.

Challenging conventional wisdom, the author utilizes extensive data on internal conflicts to critique existing international peacemaking and peacekeeping strategies, suggesting they may inadvertently extend civil wars. This thought-provoking work aims to ignite a crucial debate on the effectiveness of current methods for resolving conflicts, encouraging readers to reconsider the underlying assumptions that guide diplomatic efforts.

Exploring the complexities of civil wars, the book delves into the multifaceted causes of large-scale political violence. It highlights how these conflicts often arise from struggles over essential resources like housing, jobs, and arable land, as well as political battles concerning rights and representation. The narrative emphasizes the brutal and protracted nature of such wars, providing insight into their impact on societies.

Tracing the entire history of American foreign policy, Dying by the Sword focuses on how the US came to prioritize the use of military tools over other tools of statecraft, including diplomacy and economic policy. It demonstrates that since the end of the Cold War, the US has dramatically increased its use of force abroad despite fewer international threats. The US's hyper-militaristic foreign policy, which the authors term "kinetic diplomacy", threatens to undermine not just America's leadership role, its credibility, and its domestic policy priorities, but more broadly international peace and security.