Includes bibliographical references (pages 222-279) and index.

War -- 'Greed' : economic agendas -- Defining the enemy -- Famine -- Aid -- Information -- Peace.

"David Keen questions the model of war as a contest between two sides aiming at political and military victory, and he also rejects the contrasting view that war represents a collapse into anarchy, mindless violence and ethnic hatred. Rather than a contest or a collapse, war is analysed as a system that has significant functions and that yields complex economic, political and psychological benefits. Some may be more interested in prolonging a war than in ending it. War may help elites to derail democracy and suppress dissent; it may be profitable for government and rebel actors; and it may allow armed groups to enjoy a sense of power over unarmed civilians." "This book argues that understanding the complex functions of wars - alongside other forms of human disaster such as famine and ethnic strife - is essential if we are to reduce suffering and move towards lasting peace agreements. Complex Emergencies will be essential reading for students of development, political economy, political science and international relations."--Jacket.