File:Battle of wills accepting stalemate in internal wars (IA battleofwillscce109454418).pdf

This thesis examines contributing causes of protracted internal conflicts and recommends ways of overcoming the cycle of war that seems to perpetuate in some countries. Through an analysis of three cases of prolonged internal wars, in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Colombia, I test two hypotheses and attempt to gain a better understanding of how internal wars become stagnated, protracted, or stuck in a cycle of conflict that does not seem likely to end. A central government's proximity to the violence in an internal war and, to a lesser degree, desensitization to violence over the course of decades of conflict, both contribute to protraction in some internal wars. Political will and the motivations behind political will become deciding factors in the outcome of internal conflicts. Effectively managing the resolve to end a conflict, enhancing government legitimacy, and proportionately employing all of a government's resources are necessary conditions for a state to overcome the protracted war problem.