The internationalization of civil war: Liberia as a case study

This thesis examines how the civil war in Liberia became internationalized. The involvement of international actors or linkages within the Liberian civil war contributed to the sustained scope and intensity of the war, thereby prolonging the war and making it difficult to resolve. In order to understand the scope of internationalization, this thesis identifies and examines the international linkages and actors of the Liberian civil war known to date. By identifying and examining these international linkages and actors within the Liberian civil war, this thesis unearths important lessons which are significant for understanding the dynamics of such wars. Specifically, this thesis develops a revised conflict resolution framework which identifies and addresses all international linkages and actors as a way for resolving civil wars in the future.