Embroiled in civil war since independence, Sudan has also suffered from the failure of both regional and international actors to fully come to terms with the scope of the complex issues involved. Sudan: The Elusive Quest for Peace contributes to a fuller understanding of those issues, exploring the factors that have contributed to the conflict from the days following independence to the present. Iyob and Khadiagala concisely examine the cultural, sociopolitical, economic, and geographical facets of the prolonged hostilities, then assess a sequence of mediation efforts. They also distill the web of grievances that fuel the current conflict in the Darfur region. They conclude with recommendations for the serious political and economic reforms in Sudan and the decisive efforts of external actors that will be required if the peace process is to move forward.