collective violence

Overview

• Collective violence involves a group acting together, rather than individual actions.

• Focus on definitions, characteristics, group power, individual participation, risk factors, consequences, as well as responding to and preventing collective violence.

Definitions

• Collective Violence: Excludes purely individual actions and non-material damage.

• World Health Organization Definition: Instrumental use of violence by identified group members against another group or individuals to achieve political, economic, and social objectives.

• Tille's Definition: Emphasizes relational aspects where violence arises from social interactions and settings.

Characteristics of Collective Violence

• Involves groups, not necessarily large numbers (minimum of 3 often regarded as collective).

• Participants can be bystanders or opportunistic actors.

• The violent few: Individuals who have acquired techniques for violence in specific situations.

• Victim types can vary widely:

• Individual attacks (gangs)

• Property loss during riots

• Widespread harm (genocide)

Examples of Groups Engaging in Collective Violence

• Military: Engages in violence for national objectives.

• Insurgent Movements: Example - Syrian civil war, where rebels overthrew a totalitarian regime.

• Terrorist Organizations: Actions can be viewed differently based on perspective.

• Gangs: Ranges from organized crime groups to disorganized mobs.

• Riot Situations: Collective violence can often arise spontaneously.

Dynamics of Collective Violence

• Violence can escalate following specific triggers and eventually subside as participants tire of violent actions.

• Actors can transition between peaceful interactions and violence, as seen in protests that can shift from peaceful to violent and back to peaceful again.