War is often waged for economic reasons. This view is widely held. However, the complex topic has only recently entered the debates in conflict research. To date, there is no scientific theory of war economics. Using the example of the civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lara Jüssen puts recent scientific concepts to the test that deal with the relationship between war and economy. She engages with and expands upon the "greed versus grievance" debate. Desirable resources, fragile statehood, and the integration into international economic networks are discussed as potential driving factors of violent conflicts. Particularly in the Congo, the cross-border nature of international business obscures the connections between the Western world and the local war events.