WILLEM SCHINKEL is Associate Professor of Theoretical Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands. He has published books and articles on theoretical sociology and various subjects such as citizenship, the state and art. His previous publications include Globalization and the State.

'A sparkling display of breathtaking erudition and mind-boggling analytical incisiveness.' - Zygmunt Bauman, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of Leeds, UK and University of Warsaw, Poland

• PART I: THE CONCEPT AND OBSERVATION OF VIOLENCE Introduction: Aspects of Violence The Definition of Violence: Part I The Definition of Violence: Part II From Critique of Violence to Autotelic Violence: Rereading Walter Benjamin PART II: FORMS OF VIOLENCE The Will to Violence The Continuation of Violence by Other Means: Terrorism A Note on Causes of High School Violence The Trias Violentiae For a New Social Science of Violence Index