Wages of war, 1816-1980

Description

This data collection consists of three separate datasets. Data were collected to study the trends and changes in the frequency, magnitude, severity, and intensity of international wars, civil wars, and international disputes. For each dataset, the unit of analysis is the participant in a particular conflict. While the three datasets are related, they are mutually exclusive in that each describes a particular type of war (interstate or civil) or a dispute. The first collection describes the experience of each interstate system member in each war. The file contains 302 records, each containing 42 variables that describe those experiences. In order to be considered a nation participant, certain minimal criteria of population and diplomatic recognition were used. Qualifying nation participants are classified as to whether or not they were members of the European central system at the time of the war and, therefore, active and influential in European centered diplomacy. The geographical location of the war is coded as well as the severity of the war as determined by its duration and the number of battle-connected deaths. The pre-war population of each nation participant is also coded. The second dataset is a study of 106 major civil wars involving 139 participants between 1816 and 1980.