Written by leading scholars in the field, Causes of War provides the first comprehensive analysis of the leading theories relating to the origins of both interstate and civil wars.
* Utilizes historical examples to illustrate individual theories throughout
* Includes an analysis of theories of civil wars as well as interstate wars -- one of the only texts to do both
* Written by two former International Studies Association Presidents

Jack S. Levy is Board of Governors Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University. He is a former President of the International Studies Association (2007-8) and of the Peace Science Society (2005-6). His research focuses on the causes of war and on foreign policy decision-making.

William R. Thompson is Rogers Professor of Political Science at Indiana University and Managing Editor of International Studies Quarterly. He is a former President of the International Studies Association (2005-6). His ongoing research focuses on conflict and long-term international political economy.

Acknowledgments vi

1. Introduction to the Study of War 1

2. System-Level Theories 28

3. The Dyadic Interactions of States 55

4. The State and Societal Level 83

5. Decision-Making: The Individual Level 128

6. Decision-Making: The Organizational Level 162

7. Civil War 186

8. Conclusion: Refl ections on Levels, Causes, and War 205

References 224

Index 265