In an increasingly complex post-Cold War world system, scholars interested in conflict and conflict resolution must consider a wider collection of variables in drawing conclusions about important security issues. This compendium features 13 original essays that explore the importance of culture and identity with respect to civil-military relations, national security, and nation building. Contributors reflect upon both theoretical and substantive issues and draw from case studies representing different regions of the world.

The work begins with two articles offering theoretical and cross-cultural treatment of conflict and conflict resolution. Next, authors include ten case studies that explore the re-emergence of identity as a focal ingredient in determining national security doctrine. Case studies range from China to Southern Europe to Liberia to Brazil. A third section concentrates on the role of nationalism.