Why wars end: A research note

The purpose of this article is to identify factors, other than military victory by one side, that are conducive to terminating hostilities. After analysing the CASCON database at MIT and comparing the results with the findings by other scholars and practitioners, the article concludes that the belligerents need to change their perceptions, and limit their choice of means as well as objectives. Here, third-party governments often have a decisive role to play. Additional outside help, in the form of international organisations or ad hoc mediators, is also crucial-as is 'mutual exhaustion' among the parties-for terminating hostilities.