"Violence is one of humanity's most enduring traits; a phenomenon that all cultures and societies, across time and space, share. However, not all groups or individuals are equally violent, and nor does violence exist with the same intensity across societies. This Very Short Introduction by Philip Dwyer examines the more visible, physical acts of violence in the modern world, looking at the long history of the subject, and disputing the claim that violence is diminishing. Each chapter deals with a different aspect of violence from the interpersonal and gendered through to the collective and religious. To understand different attitudes towards violence, past and present, Dwyer argues that they are best placed in their specific cultural, social, economic, and political contexts." -- Publisher's description.

Violence past and present --Intimate and gendered violence -- Interpersonal violence -- The sacred and the secular -- Collective and communal violence -- Violence and the state -- The changing nature of violence.