Michel Wieviorka's book offers a sociological analysis of contemporary forms of evil, such as terrorism, violence, racism, and hatred. It challenges traditional views by exploring the social, political, and cultural sources of these issues, aiming to enhance our understanding of human behavior and promote a respectful, democratic society.
Michel Wieviorka's exploration delves into the complex nature of violence, examining its social, political, and historical dimensions. The book offers a nuanced analysis, drawing on various case studies and theoretical frameworks to understand the roots and manifestations of violence in contemporary society. It challenges readers to rethink conventional perceptions and encourages a deeper engagement with the factors that contribute to violent acts. This translation provides access to Wieviorka's critical insights for an English-speaking audience.
Revised and reissued in light of recent events, this classic and now increasingly important book is an exception in the literature on terrorism. Based on complex observations of actual movement participants, Wieviorka's book addresses a broad spectrum of terrorist activity—from Italian left-wing terrorists to Basque nationalist groups to the international terrorism of Palestine and the Middle East. The result is an incisive analysis of what terrorists believe and what they hope to achieve through their actions. For this new edition, Wieviorka adds new material that remaps the state of terrorism after the events of 2001.