The Long Peace and Violence Explained

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Questions and Answers

What is one key theme identified in Kenyon et al., 2023 regarding Lone Actor Terrorism?

Increased government surveillance

The importance of group identity

The ambiguity of lone-actor definitions (correct)

Economic factors influencing terrorism

Which theme addresses the connection between Lone Actor Terrorism and the wider community of extremists?

Ties with other extremists or movements (correct)

Motivation driven by ideological influences

Role of opportunity and triggers

Increasing internet use

What psychological concept is associated with individuals who strongly identify with their group?

Collective Memory

Identity Fusion (correct)

Group Polarization

Cohesion

What is less affected by risks, rewards, or compromises for devoted actors according to Atran?

Sacred Values Signup and view all the answers

What does 'leakage' in the context of Lone Actor Terrorism refer to?

The sharing of intentions before an attack Signup and view all the answers

Which theme reflects the role of mental health issues in Lone Actor Terrorism?

Prevalence of personality disorders Signup and view all the answers

What type of terrorism is characterized by individuals who often do not have close ties with a specific group?

Lone Actor Terrorism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the motivation behind many lone actors according to the themes identified?

Ideological and personal influences Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is more common among Lone Actor Terrorists (LAT) compared to other offender types?

Using firearms as weapons Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding regarding Right Wing Extremists (RWE) among the Lone Actor Terrorists?

They are less likely to have children Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a distinguishing characteristic of Lone Actor Terrorists when compared to other categories of offenders?

Mental health status Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is common between Right Wing Extremists and Islamic Extremists as Lone Actor Terrorists?

Employment status Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic characteristic is linked to Lone Actor Terrorists as per the provided data?

Being younger on average Signup and view all the answers

In terms of invading social norms, which characteristic is NOT associated with Right Wing Extremists compared to Islamic Extremists?

They are employed Signup and view all the answers

Lone Actor Terrorists are less likely to have which of the following?

A personal grievance Signup and view all the answers

Which event characteristic is more prevalent in Right Wing Extremist Lone Actor Terrorists?

Less planning or awareness Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common demographic characteristic of rampage shooters?

Largely male Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT stated as a contributing element to mass school shootings?

Peer support Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the planning stage in the cumulative strain model of mass murder?

To organize thoughts and intentions Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the blocked personhood in the context of mass school shootings?

Lack of moral guidelines Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following emotions is commonly associated with motivations for mass violence?

Revenge Signup and view all the answers

What role does situational factor play in mass shootings according to the models presented?

It interacts with individual characteristics to exacerbate violence. Signup and view all the answers

In a cumulative strain model, which stage immediately follows chronic strain?

Uncontrolled strain Signup and view all the answers

How does cultural emphasis on success and fame impact mass shootings, according to the models discussed?

It fosters aggressive behavior due to unrealistic expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What notable change has occurred since 1945 in relation to wars among nation states?

Significant decline in war among nation states. Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological phenomenon suggests that humans may overcome their natural inhibitions against violence?

Parochial altruism. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the perspective that views conflict as shaped by the interplay of various societal factors?

Social-structural and cultural approaches. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of the 20th century is highlighted as a significant feature of human history?

It was the bloodiest century on record. Signup and view all the answers

Which classic study involved volunteers administering electric shocks to a 'learner' based on the incorrect answers, demonstrating compliance to authority?

The Milgram Obedience Studies. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of psychology is challenged when analyzing why humans engage in acts of collective violence?

The capacity for empathy and compassion. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason provided for the occurrence of conflicts according to social-structural and cultural approaches?

Disputes over resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a debated theory regarding the evolutionary basis of collective violence?

The hypothesis of parochial altruism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of victims required for an incident to be classified as mass murder according to FBI criteria?

4 Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mass murder specifically involves the perpetrator killing family members?

Familicide Signup and view all the answers

What weapon was most commonly used in mass murder incidents in China from 2000-2011?

Knife Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is most frequently associated with mass murder offenders in the United States?

Males aged 30-49 Signup and view all the answers

During the period of 2001-2010 in the US, what percentage of mass murder offenders were female?

8% Signup and view all the answers

What trend in mass murder rates has been observed from 1984 to 2014?

Increased slightly Signup and view all the answers

In what locations did the majority of mass murders occur in the United States from 2001-2010?

Residences/Homes Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes lone actor terrorism from rampage shootings?

Political or religious motivations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Long Peace

Violence between groups has been a common occurrence throughout human history.
The 20th century saw the highest number of deaths due to war, although the population was also at a historical high.
There's a notable decline in war between nation states after 1945.
Ongoing conflicts in places like Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan highlight ongoing violence.

Evolutionary Approaches

Evidence suggests collective violence may have an evolutionary basis.
There's research on chimpanzee coalitional aggression, the prevalence of violence throughout history, and the existence of violence in hunter-gatherer societies.
The psychology of "parochial altruism" might play a role.
However, whether war is an adaptation or a by-product remains a significant point of debate.

Social, political, economic, cultural, and demographic factors contribute to conflict.
Conflict is often associated with political instability.
Disputes over resources, perceived injustice, and oppression, revenge, and ideologies can all trigger violence.

Psychological Approaches

Humans generally have an aversion to harming others.
Empathy and compassion play a role.
There are strong moral and social pressures against killing.
Understanding how these inhibitions are overcome is crucial for understanding collective violence.

Three Classic Studies in Psychology

The Milgram Obedience Studies, Stanford Prison Experiment, and Robber's Cave Study offer insights into the psychology of violence.

The Milgram Obedience Studies

Milgram's studies investigated how far people would comply with authority figures when instructed to inflict harm.
The study found that many participants were willing to administer electric shocks to the highest level, despite the learner's protests, suggesting a willingness to obey authority figures even when it involves harming others.

Lone Actor Terrorists and their Characteristics

Research on lone actor terrorism focuses on understanding the motivations, and characteristics of perpetrators.
Lone actor terrorists are more likely to plan attacks, be unemployed, target strangers, and lack a specific precipitating event.
Studies show few differences between right-wing extremist and Islamic extremist lone actor terrorists.
There's a surprising absence of differences in variables like mental health status and social isolation between lone actor terrorists and other offender categories.

Critical Issues in the Study of Lone Actor Terrorism

A systematic literature review highlighted ten key themes regarding lone actor terrorism.
The definition and use of typologies for lone actors are ambiguous.
Lone actors are heterogeneous— varying in their motivations and behaviors.
While mental health issues might play a role, they are not a universal factor.
Lone actor terrorism shares similarities with other forms of lone offender crime.
Ideology and personal experiences are significant motivators.
Internet use is prevalent in the planning and execution of lone actor terrorism.
Although they often act alone, lone actors may have connections to networks or groups.
Thorough planning is common.
Opportunity and triggers contribute to attacks.
These attacks are commonly preceded by leakage, or attempts to signal their intent.

Psychological factors like in-group/out-group dynamics and moral disengagement contribute to violence.
Social and situational factors such as realistic conflict, historical grievances, ideology, and state structures also play a major role.

Devoted Actor Model

The Devoted Actor model suggests identity fusion (a strong sense of belonging to a group) and sacred values (values that are highly resistant to compromise) contribute to individuals engaging in violence for their group.

Identity Fusion

Identity fusion refers to a sense of “oneness” with a group, where individuals' identity becomes intertwined with the group.
Individuals with high identity fusion are more likely to make sacrifices for their group.

Sacred Values

Sacred values are deeply held beliefs that have special meaning for individuals, and hold strong moral significance.
These values lead to behavior that is largely unresponsive to risk, rewards, or compromise.
The devoted actor model highlights that people who are highly fused with their group, and hold sacred values, are more likely to engage in extreme behaviors.

Mass Murder

Mass murder is defined as killing three or more victims in one incident, without a cooling off period.
It is distinct from serial murder, where there are multiple murders over time.
It is also distinct from spree murder, where the killings occur in multiple locations without a cooling off period.

Types of Mass Murder

Familicide refers to the killing of family members, often a partner and/or children.
Robbery-related mass murder is committed during a robbery.
Gang-related mass murder is committed by members of organized gangs.
Rampage shooting is a type of mass murder that occurs in a public space and involves four or more victims.
Lone actor terrorism is similar to rampage shooting but often involves perpetrators with a religious or political ideology.

The Nature and Extent of Mass Murder

Duwe (2004, 2017) analyzed FBI homicide reports and news accounts of mass murders in the United States in the 20th century.
He identified over 900 mass murder incidents, averaging 5.39 deaths per incident.
The trends for mass murder rate are similar to the trends for homicide overall.

Patterns of Mass Murder: 1900-1999

The majority of offenders in mass murders are male, between the ages of 30-49.
Male victims are more common.
Public locations were the most common site of mass murders, followed by family residences.
The most common weapon is a firearm.

The Nature and Extent of Mass Murder: 2001-2010

Huff-Corzine et al. (2014) analyzed mass murder in the US between 2001-2010.
They found 444 offenders and 1410 victims.
80% of offenders were male and 8% female, 12% unknown gender.
56% of victims were male.
44% of events were committed by perpetrators between the ages of 21-30.
Most events involved a handgun.
62% of mass murders occurred in homes.

The Nature and Extent of Mass Murder in China:2000-2011

Hilal et al. (2013) analyzed mass murder events between 2000 and 2011 in China.
165 mass murder events involved 211 perpetrators and 696 victims.
The knife was the most common weapon used.

Patterns and Prevalence of Mass Murder in the US

Whether rampage shootings are dramatically increasing is a point of debate.
Capellan & Gomez (2018) found an increase in rampage shootings between 1984-1999 and 2000-2014.
However, Rocque and Duwe (2018) challenge the idea that rates have significantly increased since the 21st century.
Duwe (2020) provides the most up-to-date analysis of mass public shootings.

Trends in Prevalence of Mass Public Shootings

Duwe's (2020) analysis shows a clear increase in mass public shootings from 1976–2018, as well as an increase in victims.

Characteristics of Rampage Shooters

Duwe (2020) found that almost all rampage shooters are male (98%).
Estimates suggest that between 40–80% of rampage shooters have a mental illness.
Rampage shooters tend to be single or divorced and unemployed.
They often have an interest in weapons and warfare.
Common precipitating factors include rejection, failure, alienation, and financial problems.
Revenge and payback are common motivations.

A Partial Model of Mass School Shootings

Thompson & Kyle (2005) presented a model of mass school shootings.
They suggest that ineffective guardianship, poor moral development, peer marginalization, and a school environment that fosters competition and labels students as “losers” can contribute to feelings of blocked personhood, which in turn can lead to aggression and violence.

A cumulative strain model of mass murder at school

Levin & Madfis (2009) developed a cumulative strain model for mass murder in schools.
This model identifies five stages:
- Chronic Strain
- Uncontrolled Strain
- Acute Strain
- Planning Stage
- Massacre at school

A Distal and Proximate Model for Mass Murder

This model outlines distal (evolutionary and cultural) and proximate (individual and situational) factors that contribute to violence.
Distal Factors: Status seeking (evolutionary) and the emphasis on success and fame (cultural)
Proximate Factors: Narcissism, Interest in weapons/warfare, Mental disorders, Revenge, Control, Power, Dehumanization, Rejection, Failure, Acute strain, Availability of weapons, Availability of targets.

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Description

Explore the dynamics of violence and peace throughout human history, focusing on the notable decline of war between nation states after 1945. This quiz delves into evolutionary, social-structural, and cultural approaches to understanding conflict. Engage with topics like 'parochial altruism' and ongoing global conflicts to enhance your understanding.