The specter of civil war, a nation fracturing along lines of ideology, ethnicity, or economics, casts a long and tragic shadow across human history. These internal conflicts, often brutal and protracted, leave scars that echo for generations. But what exactly is a civil war, and what are the forces that drive these devastating clashes? This blog delves into the complexities of civil war, exploring its causes, consequences, and some of the most defining examples from the annals of history. Understanding the Beast: What Constitutes a Civil War? At its core, a civil war is an armed conflict within a single country or state. Unlike international wars, where distinct nations clash, civil wars pit citizens against their own, often over deeply entrenched differences. These differences can stem from: Ideological clashes: Think democracy versus communism, religious divides, or competing visions for a nation's future. Ethnic or racial tensions: Historical injustices, discrimination, and com...