Professor: Ellen Fitzpatrick
4 credits
Why do people engage in political violence? This course examines why ordinary people participate in—or come to support—political violence across a range of contexts, including civil war, insurgency, terrorism, and contemporary violence in democratic societies. The first half of the course examines political violence in modern global contexts and provides a theoretical foundation. The second half asks whether these theories travel to democratic settings, where large-scale violence is rare and institutions provide alternative channels for political contestation. We examine when and why these constraints weaken, and why some individuals come to support or justify political violence even in democratic systems. Students explore theories emphasizing grievance, inequality, economic incentives, identity, social networks, elite mobilization, and psychological motivations. Students play an active role in this seminar –presenting theoretical perspectives, case studies, and their specific research.