This chapter introduces the concept of framing in civil war and introduces the twelve main ex-combatants whose stories illustrate these framing contests. The chapter lays out the central argument of the book, which is that gendered framing contests influence individual commitment to an armed group and the decisions that ex-combatants make to stay or go, and that these contests are particularly harmful to women and deserters. The chapter then outlines the theoretical framework, case selection, research sites, and data collection. It concludes with a discussion of why a better understanding of framing contests and their effects on ex-combatants is integral for more comprehensive reintegration programming and to establish inclusive, long-term peace.