Why Humans Fight
The Social Dynamics of Close-Range Violence

'Malesevic begins with a penetrating critique of genetic, biological, and psychological explanations for why humans fight, whether they be mere brawlers or trained soldiers. He then proceeds to a more sociological approach, while stressing the variability of fighting experiences. His arguments are supported by immense learning and a flow of acute insights into human violence. This is a must read for anyone interested in violence and war.' Michael Mann, University of California, Los Angeles

'Like Goya's war paintings, Why Human Fight surveys its horrible subject matter with an unblinking gaze. One of the many achievements of this extraordinary survey is to zoom in closely upon the often-overlooked micro-solidarities that enable social pugnacity to develop. Here Malesevic's own interrogation of diverse literatures is relentless; his curiosity boundless; and his insights often startlingly original. A dark, and exhilarating, survey: and, in the troubled 21st century, an urgently needed book.' Tim Wilson, University of St Andrews

'This exceptionally wide-ranging study lives up to its multidisciplinary ambitions by offering both in-depth research on particular instances of violence, and panoptic breadth in terms of its comprehension and digestion of an ever-widening research field. Malesevic manages to bring together and offset different strands of scholarship and formulate a clear new perspective that will offer food for thought for a good while.' Ugur Ungor, University of Amsterdam

'Sinisa Malešević has delivered a sweeping social history of face-to-face violence. In this masterful book, Malešević shows how violence is an inherently social, relational phenomenon, and he identifies the social structures that lay the foundation for organized killing. This book is ambitious, rigorous, and deeply convincing.' Erica Chenoweth, Harvard University

'This is a remarkable book that is accessible to a broad audience and simultaneously insightful for experienced readers, making it definitely worth reading.' Egor Bronnikov, Journal of Peace Research