Violence, in all its forms, today constitutes a vast field of research in sociology, and in the social sciences. But the same is not true of preventing and exiting violence, which do not have their own well-structured space within the humanities. Much more empirical than theoretical, understanding of these issues is produced more by actors (NGOs, associations), experts, and practitioners than by social science scholars.

David Siroky is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Arizona State University, School of Politics and Global Studies, where he is a key member of the Center for Social Dynamics and Complexity. In addition, he is an associate researcher at the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict, the Melikian Center for Russian, the Eurasian and East European Studies, the Center for Jewish Studies and the Center for the Future of War. His research focuses on the roots of nationalism, particularly its secessionist form, and the causes and consequences of collective violence.