Its clear structure, honest discussion of shortcomings, and mixture of methods - as well as its policy debates and recommendations - make this book an invaluable teaching tool. Indubitably, Call makes some signi cant theoretical contributions, important for scholars and practitioners alike, as civil war recurrences continue to occur. African Affairs Call cites sources that represent the most credible scholarly and professional works available. His research is rigorous, comprehensive, and compelling. It is well articulated and appropriately interwoven, with substantive depth and analysis. His conclusions and recommendations are sound and constructive ... a must-read for conflict theory scholars, academics in the fields of political science and international studies, and military and government leaders-especially those who shape US policy with fragile states. Military Review A systematic, engaging and critical account of commonly used theories and methodologies, while providing a deep understanding of a range of cases that display both the successes and failures of various peace settlements. Sicherheit und Frieden (Security and Peace) The book's most valuable contribution can be found in its final chapter where conclusions for policy and practice are discussed. The book closes with a sophisticated analysis of why legitimacy-building by external actors is so difficult, and an invaluable analysis of the four moments in postwar political processes. -- Clare Lockhart Governance An impressive, focused examination of a crucial question in the study of political violence. Political Science Quarterly Biografía del autor Charles T. Call is an assistant professor in the School of International Studies at American University. He was previously a senior fellow at the US Institute of Peace and is the editor of Building States to Build Peace and Constructing Security and Justice after War. He has conducted research in Afghanistan, West Africa, Bosnia, Kosovo, Haiti, Colombia, Chechnya, and Central America.