Description:
<jats:p> This article addresses the author’s Genesis of War project, which includes use of the PRISONER’S DILEMMA SIMULATION (PDS) and one major finding generated by it; namely, that over time, conflict comes to be characterized, more and more, by self-stimulating/selfperpetuating processes. This finding has influenced the development of a generic theory of violent conflict and war, whose implications for the apparently self-stimulating/self-perpetuating ethnic warfare in former Yugoslavia are examined. The article concludes with a discussion of a possible role for simulation as an aid to policy makers concerned with the wars in former Yugoslavia and elsewhere. </jats:p>