About Book

Violent Societies by Christina Steenkamp offers an in-depth exploration of the complex networks of violence that shape civil wars and post-conflict societies. Drawing on a wide range of theoretical and empirical research, the book examines the various dimensions of violence—including political, economic, social, and cultural—and how these forms of violence intersect to maintain and escalate conflicts. The book dissects the role of violence in both war and peace, exploring its mechanisms within different social structures and highlighting how violence becomes embedded in societies. Steenkamp delves into the idea of "violent societies," where the culture and economy are shaped by violent practices, creating a cycle of aggression that is difficult to break, even after a conflict has officially ended. Key sections cover: • Political violence in civil wars • Economic violence as a tool of power • Social violence and its impact on civilian populations • The culture of violence that perpetuates conflicts long after the formal cessation of hostilities Steenkamp concludes with a discussion of peacebuilding strategies and how the networks of violence can be disrupted in post-conflict societies. The book offers important insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars interested in understanding the dynamics of violence and conflict, particularly in societies recovering from civil wars. The book’s emphasis on understanding the persistence of violence in post-conflict contexts is highly pertinent to the ongoing global challenges of peacebuilding. Many societies continue to grapple with the aftereffects of civil war, where networks of violence remain entrenched even after formal peace agreements. This book provides a framework for understanding these dynamics, which is crucial for developing effective strategies for community engagement and the rehabilitation of violent societies.