What causes civil wars?

Civil wars can be caused by a combination of political, social, and economic factors. A significant contributor is the instability during transitions towards democracy, especially in nations that become "anocracies" – neither fully democratic nor completely autocratic. For example, during periods where countries try to democratize quickly, there might be political shifts and upheaval, creating opportunities for groups previously excluded from power to challenge the transitioning governments. These groups see an opening due to the weakened state of governance during the transition process and strive to seize power 1.

Additionally, civil wars are more likely in situations where governments begin to move away from democratic practices towards more autocratic governance. This shift often leads to increased grievances among the populace as they notice a loss of their rights and freedoms, prompting them to organize and resist the autocratic tendencies 1.

Addressing the concerns of those who could become radicalized, such as by improving economic conditions and social policies, can potentially help in mitigating the factors that lead to civil wars 2.