Examines patterns and trends of armed conflict, especially terrorism, insurgency and civil war in the 21st century. Reviews conditions that are likely to lead to war and the myriad ways conflict affects the economy, political system, and cultural norms of a society. Explores how civil wars end, key elements of effective peace processes, and the conditions under which mass violence is likely to resume. Examines conflict prevention strategies such as: preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE), disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of combatants, and reform of police and military forces (security sector reform/SSR). Case studies on countries in Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America.