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Complex Emergencies
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Complex Emergencies Hardback - 2008 - 1st Edition

by David J. Keen

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Reader reviews for Complex Emergencies

From the publisher

If you thought the point of war was to win, this book will make you think again.

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.

From the rear cover

If you thought the point of war was to win, this book will make you think again.

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.

Details

  • Title Complex Emergencies
  • Author David J. Keen
  • Binding Hardback
  • Edition number 1st
  • Edition 1
  • Pages 296
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Polity Press, Cambridge
  • Publication date 2008-01-01
  • ISBN 9780745640198 / 0745640192
  • Weight 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.11 x 6.36 x 1.14 in (23.14 x 16.15 x 2.90 cm)
  • Category Politics / Current Events
  • Library of Congress subjects Social aspects, Disasters
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 2019304854
  • Dewey Decimal Code 363.349

About the author

David Keen is Reader in Complex Emergencies at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

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Complex Emergencies

Complex Emergencies

by David Keen

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780745640198 / 0745640192
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Hardcover. New. New Book; Fast Shipping from UK; Not signed; Not First Edition; If you thought the point of war was to win, this book will make you think again. This book argues that understanding the complex functions of wars - alongside other forms of human disaster such as famine and ethnic strife - is essential
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A$135.95
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Complex Emergencies

Complex Emergencies

by David J. Keen

  • New
  • Hardback
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780745640198 / 0745640192
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Description:
Hardback. New. If you thought the point of war was to win, this book will make you think again. 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.
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Item price
A$140.03
A$19.24 Delivery to USA
Complex Emergencies

Complex Emergencies

by David J. Keen

  • New
  • Hardback
Condition
New
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Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780745640198 / 0745640192
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10
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Hardback. New. If you thought the point of war was to win, this book will make you think again. 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.
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Item price
A$147.56
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Complex Emergencies
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Complex Emergencies

by Keen, David J,

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Complex Emergencies
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Complex Emergencies

by Keen, David J

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Polity, 2008-01-22. 1. hardcover. New. 6.20x1.11x9.35. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
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Complex Emergencies
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Complex Emergencies

by Keen, David J,

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Complex Emergencies
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Complex Emergencies

by David Keen

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780745640198 / 0745640192
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Polity Press , pp. 304 . Hardback. New.
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Complex Emergencies
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Complex Emergencies

by Keen, David J.

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780745640198 / 0745640192
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hardcover. Good. Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items. May be an ex-library book.
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