The struggle for South Sudan: challenges of security and state formation

South Sudan, the world's youngest country, has experienced a rocky start to its life as an independent nation.

Less than three years after gaining independence in 2011 following a violent liberation war, the country slid back into conflict.

In the wake of infighting within the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), violence erupted in South Sudan's capital, Juba, in December 2013.

The conflict pitted President Salva Kiir's predominantly Dinka presidential guard against Nuer fighters loyal to the former Vice President Riek Machar.

As fighting spread across the country, it has taken on an increasingly ethnic nature.

Ceasefires have been agreed, but there have been repeated violations by all sides.

Today the conflict continues unabated and the humanitarian situation grows ever more urgent.

This book analyses the crisis and some of its contributing factors.