Who Benefits From Global Violence And War: Uncovering A Destructive System (Contemporary Psychology (Hardcover))

Who Benefits From Global Violence And War: Uncovering A Destructive System (Contemporary Psychology (Hardcover))

Military, economic, and environmental violence in the era of globalization cause immense suffering and may ultimately threaten the existence of life as we know it, but author Pilisuk explains that the future can change if we understand and act upon the roots of violence. A professor emeritus of psychology and human and community development, Pilisuk explains how most violence is the product of a human-built social order in which some people and institutions control most of the resources, make the decisions that necessitate violence, and operate with minimal accountability. The common root of war, poverty, environmental destruction, and other forms of violence is spotlighted. Such violence, says Pilisuk, is a natural consequence of a system inordinately influenced by a relatively small, interconnected group of corporate, military, and government leaders with the power to instill fear, to increase their excessive fortunes, and to restrict information, particularly about their own clandestine dealings.This text includes scholarship hailing from across disciplines, combined with information from investigative journalism, and insights from nonprofit watchdog groups, all shedding light on centralized power and its effects. Pilisuk presents material including the range of tactics used to manipulate and destroy adversaries, the human capacity to kill as a challenge, and how media is used by powerful groups to manipulate fear and maintain their power. Here, readers find solid social science to support what whistleblowers and social critics are observing about a system that needs change.Review"Marc Pilisuk (with Jennifer Achord Rountree) does our field a significant service in bringing together numerous disparate sources of information to make good on the promise of the book's title. . . . this book provides a carefully researched and documented guide for professionals, as well as for graduate or advanced undergraduate coursework in international and peace psychologies. In fact, anyone who wishes to have a psychological angle on the economic, social, political, and international matters often covered by Noam Chomsky, Chalmers Johnson, Naomi Klein, Howard Zinn, and other critics of powerful, harmful systems would benefit from a careful reading of this book." -PsycCRITIQUES ". . .fitting, timely, and equally appropriate for an academic audience and the general public. . . . an appropriate text for graduate and upper level undergraduate courses in several disciplines -- Politics, Economics, International Relations, Social Change, Peace Studies, Religion, Ethics, and Theology. . . . Additionally, excellent use of cross referencing cuts down on needless repetition and guides teachers, students, and general readers to more details on a particular topic. This work is particularly suited for the classroom with its theories and analyses along with concrete examples." -International Journal on World Peace"This important book is a tour de force of erudition and scholarship, lucid exposition and organization, cogent reasoning, psychological depth, and compassionate motivation. It is written in clear, accessible language and a warm, humane voice. . . . It is a gift to humanity from a peace psychologist who has devoted his career to reducing violence and enhancing health, social justice, understanding, and peace." -Indigenous Policy JournalReview"One of the most comprehensive--and programmatic-- discussions of the sources and nature of global violence in years." (Tom Hayden, author ofEnding the War in Iraq [2006], long-time peace and justice advocate)"There are painful truths here for Americans about the role our government plays in perpetuating global violence--but some readers will be inspired to follow the author's advice on what can be done about it." (William A. Gamson, Professor of Sociology, Boston University)"Marc Pilisuk has cast his net over the threats to world peace and ecological balance, p