The Understanding and Management of Global Violence approaches social conflict through the study of protracted conflict. As developed by Edward Azar, "protracted conflict" is long-term, ongoing conflict that permeates all aspects of society. It is explicitly linked to two-level analyses, the analysis of crisis, the nature of identity groups, and enduring rivalries. These essays bring new thinking to the notion of protracted conflict, focusing on Israel, the Palestinians, and Lebanon; the Philippines and Nicaragua; Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan; and Northern Ireland.