How Wars End: A Hopeful History of Making Peace

Do boycotts work? Should arms sales be halted? And what about supplying weapons to the so-called “good guys”?

In How Wars End, international conflict expert Jan van Aken explores what it really takes to achieve peace in an age of escalating global violence.

In 2003, van Aken was preparing to travel to Baghdad as a UN weapons inspector to search for biological weapons—until he received a message: the United States was determined to invade Iraq in retaliation for 9/11, inspections or not. The invasion went ahead, and years later the truth emerged—Iraq had no biological weapons at all.

Drawing on decades of firsthand experience as a weapons inspector, conflict analyst, politician, and activist, van Aken examines why wars start, how they spiral out of control, and what can actually bring them to an end. From disinformation campaigns and chemical weapons to sanctions, diplomacy, and citizen-led peace movements, he investigates both the failures and the successes of global conflict resolution.

Blending compelling personal stories with the latest research in peace and conflict studies, How Wars End takes readers from Northern Ireland and Serbia to South Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, and Israel-Palestine, revealing evidence-based strategies to move from violent conflict to ceasefire—and from ceasefire to lasting peace.

Translated by Jo Heinrich.

Jan van Aken holds a PhD in biology and has built a distinguished career at the intersection of science, politics, and international diplomacy. Trained as a biologist with expertise in molecular genetics, he became internationally recognized for his work on genetic engineering and biosafety. Early in his career, he served as a genetic engineering expert for Greenpeace, where he focused on issues surrounding genetically modified crops and biotechnology regulation.

From 2004 to 2006, van Aken worked as a biological weapons inspector for the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC). In this role, he investigated biological weapons programs, contributed to global non-proliferation efforts, and developed a reputation as a leading voice on biosecurity and arms control. His scientific background and field experience positioned him as a respected commentator on the risks posed by biological warfare.

Transitioning into politics, van Aken served as a member of the German Bundestag from 2009 to 2017, representing Die Linke (The Left Party). During his tenure, he worked extensively on foreign policy, peace and disarmament issues, and international development. After leaving parliament, he joined the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation as a Policy Advisor for International Conflict Analysis, focusing particularly on conflicts in the Middle East and advancing peace-oriented policy approaches.

In October 2024, Jan van Aken was elected co-chair of The Left Party, reflecting his long-standing commitment to social justice, international solidarity, and anti-war advocacy. His career continues to bridge scientific expertise and political engagement, making him a significant figure in European debates on peace, security, and ethical science.

Jo Heinrich is an award-winning literary translator who lives near Bristol with her family. She translates from German and French, and her work includes Katja Oskamp’s Marzahn, Mon Amour—winner of the 2023 Dublin Literary Award and shortlisted for the Warwick Prize for Women in Translation—as well as Oskamp’s Half Swimmer and Hanno Sauer’s The Invention of Good and Evil. She was also part of the translation team for Angela Merkel’s memoir, Freedom.