The Puzzle of Peace : The Evolution of Peace in the International System

__The Puzzle of Peace__ moves beyond defining peace as the absence of war and develops a broader conceptualization and explanation for the increasing peacefulness of the international system. The authors track the rise of peace as a new phenomenon in international history starting after 1945. International peace has increased because international society has developed a set of norms dealing with territorial conflict, by far the greatest source of international war over previous centuries. These norms prohibit the use of military force in resolving territorial disputes and acquiring territory, thereby promoting border stability. This includes the prohibition of the acquisition of territory by military means as well as attempts by secessionist groups to form states through military force. International norms for managing international conflict have been accompanied by increased mediation and adjudication as means of managing existing territorial conflicts. The Puzzle of Peace moves beyond defining peace as the absence of war and develops a broader conceptualization and explanation for the increasing peacefulness of the international system. The authors track the rise of peace as a new phenomenon in international history starting after 1945. International peace has increased because international society has developed a set of norms dealing with territorial conflict, by far the greatest source of international war over previous centuries. These norms prohibit the use of military force in resolving territorial disputes and acquiring territory, thereby promoting border stability. This includes the prohibition of the acquisition of territory by military means as well as attempts by secessionist groups to form states through military force. International norms for managing international conflict have been accompanied by increased mediation and adjudication as means of managing existing territorial conflicts. -- Provided by publisher 'the Puzzle Of Peace' Moves Beyond Defining Peace As The Absence Of War And Develops A Broader Conceptualization And Explanation For The Increasing Peacefulness Of The International System. Introduction -- Conceptualizing Interstate Peace And Constituting The International System -- The Evolution Of Peace 1900-2006 -- Territorial Issues And The Evolution Of Peace -- The Development Of Territorial Norms And The Norm Against Conquest -- Managing New States: Secession, Decolonization, And Peace -- When Territorial Change Chappens: The Norm Of Uti Possidetis -- Managing Territorial Conflict And Promoting Peace: Mediation And Legally Binding Approaches -- Peace At Sea: Managing Maritime Boundaries -- Conclusions And Implications -- Afterword: Some Speculations About The Causes Of Peace. Gary Goertz, Paul F. Diehl, And Alexandru Balas. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.