Why Do We Fight? Conflict, War, and Peace

Conflicts, “whether they involve two people or two million,” are the focus of Walker’s exemplary study of the reasons disagreements arise and how they can be addressed. Using real-world examples, such as the 1979 peace deal between Egypt and Israel or the history of Afghanistan over multiple centuries, Walker offers clear, concise explanations of power and resource inequities, cultural divisions, the global role of the United Nations, bias, prejudice, and more. Simple black and yellow graphics help visualize key concepts (a trio of Pac-Man–like circles demonstrate the difference between mediation and arbitration, for example) as Walker gives readers the tools to understand and analyze the kinds of clashes, wars, and disagreements that they regularly hear about in the news. Ages 10–14. (Sept.)