The Logic of Political Violence

Catalog description

Civil war, interstate conflict, terrorism and other forms of organized, violent competition are perpetual problems that threaten political order and stability. A large body of academic research explains the occurrence and dynamics of these violent processes, offering insights into the reasons why organized belligerent groups confront one another with violence. However, much of the violence associated with these political conflicts is aimed directly at innocent civilians who are otherwise uninvolved in formal conflict processes. Indeed, the exploits of some extraordinarily violent groups cause one to wonder if war has become more brutal and inhumane over time, as noncombatants suffer at the hands of armed actors. In fact, in many cases the savagery associated with violence against civilians may cause observers to believe that the violence has no logic or rationale at all. Is this violence senseless? Does it have no strategic motivation? If not entirely senseless, then how might we understand such brutal behaviors as mass rape, child soldiering, physical mutilation, and the killing of innocents in the context of war? This course will consider these questions by introducing students to theoretical perspectives on war and violence in the international state system