What distinguishes a civil war from other types of war?
Civil wars are distinct from other types of war in that they involve battles between a government and one or more groups within a country who are seeking political change. Civil wars are usually characterized by conflicts between state and non-state actors within a single state, in contrast to wars between countries, which involve conflicts between states.
A Definition of a Civil War
According to the definition provided by the Correlates of War project, a civil war is:
- A war that occurs within the boundaries of a single sovereign state
- between the state and one or more non-governmental groups within the same state
- fought for independence, separation, or changing the fundamental nature of the state itself
What distinguishes civil wars from other types of war? Key differences:
To better understand what distinguishes civil wars from other types of war, let us examine some key differences:
- Internal vs. External conflict: Civil wars are confined to a single country and involve internal power struggles between different groups. In contrast, international wars involve multiple countries and involve conflicts over territorial disputes, ideological differences, or protection of allies.
- State-sponsored vs. Unsanctioned: International wars involve the direct or indirect intervention of one or more sovereign states, while civil wars are typically conflicts between groups within a country that lack external support from other nations.
- Goals of the conflict: The objectives of civil wars are typically focused on establishing or overthrowing a particular government or regime, while international wars often involve objectives such as territorial expansion or protection of national interests.
- Participation in the conflict: Civil wars typically involve a mix of military personnel, civilians, and various non-state groups, whereas international wars usually involve uniformed military personnel and trained forces.
Types of Civil Wars:
Here are some key types of civil wars, each characterized by distinct differences:
1. Sectarian war: A sectarian war occurs when violence erupts due to conflict between different religious or political groups within a country.
Example: The Iraqi Civil War (2014-2017): A conflict sparked by religious and political disagreements between Iraq’s Shia population and radical Sunni groups such as IS.
2. War of independence: A war of independence arises when a specific group seeks to break free from another group or regime that governs them, often to establish their own autonomy or country.
Example: The Afghan War of Independence (1919): A campaign led by independence fighters seeking to overthrow the British-led government and establish an Afghan state.
3. Coup and counter-coup: Coup and counter-coup conflicts occur when a small group of power-holders within a state seek to overthrow the ruling government and establish their own regime. This can result in intense violence and back-and-forth battles for control.
Example: The Sudanese Coup and counter-coup conflict (2019-2022): A dispute between loyalists of then-President al-Bashir and dissident military generals led to a series of coups and counter-coups.
Trends in Civil Wars
Here are some key trends in the frequency and scope of civil wars:
| Year | Frequency of Civil Wars |
|---|---|
| 1914 | 1 out of every 10 war |
| 1975 | 1 out of every 5 wars |
| 1990s | At least half of all armed conflicts, with many featuring multiple battlefields and conflicting parties. |
| Present | Overwhelming majority, with many enduring for prolonged periods and involving external actors (e.g. foreign sponsors, mercenaries) and technological advancements. |
Why do civil wars occur?
Multiple factors contribute to the initiation and perpetuation of civil wars:
1. Political and religious divisions
- Polarizing ideologies: Radically divergent beliefs between groups that cannot be compromised.
- Historical grievances: Unresolved resentment and lingering animosity based on historical events.
2. Economic and resources
- Resource exploitation: Tensions arise due to limited resources, conflicts over allocation, or monopolization.
3. Social marginalization
- Mobilization and exclusion: Groups feel exploited, left out, or excluded, leading to disaffection and rebellion.
- Ethnic tensions: National, ethnic, or other identity-based struggles for political representation and justice.
Conclusion:
Civil wars are devastating conflicts that continue to be a significant and complex concern for international and national efforts. Understanding what distinguishes civil wars from other types of war provides valuable context for addressing this issue.
Key Points:
- Civil wars are intra-state conflicts
- Unlike international wars, civil wars involve internal struggles between the state and one or more non-state actors
- Civil wars aim to reshape the fundamental character of a state or secede
Recommendations:
- Mitigate deep-seated economic and resource disparities
- Respect and facilitate political pluralism and fair representation
- Intervene early to de-escalate tensions
