The Logic of Enduring Conflicts: Why unresolved conflicts create stable political orders

Why do some conflicts never end? Why do they outlast generations, peace treaties, and international mediation attempts? This book analyzes so-called protracted conflicts-conflicts that do not simply remain unresolved, but develop into stable political and social orders. Using international case studies, it shows why classic approaches to resolution fail and what functions protracted conflicts fulfill for identity, power, and political stability. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the book explains why peace often fails not because of a lack of will, but because of the structure of the conflict itself. It is aimed at readers who want to not only evaluate international conflicts, but also understand them. And how it is possible to resolve the stalemate. Bremen University Press has published over 5,000 specialist books in various languages since 2005. January 2026