How Violence Works: An Introduction to Rene Girard's Mimetic Theory - Softcover

Ebrahimian, John Babak

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798385234578

Publisher: Cascade Books, 2025

Synopsis

This book uncovers how violence stems from our desires. It explores why we compete, envy, and sometimes escalate conflicts into war. From wanting material things such as cars or prestigious jobs to seeking power or influence, desire can often lead to violence. The book shows how this plays out in major historical events such as 9/11 and the two World Wars. Drawing from literature, pop culture, psychology, mythology, and religion, it explains how desire is always mimetic or imitative. We desire what another person wants. While mimetic desire can be a constructive mechanism, it is also capable of creating violent mechanisms, such as the scapegoat mechanism, which we have seen throughout history. In looking at Jesus Christ’s passion and resurrection, we see how he uncovered the scapegoat mechanism and, along with his teachings, offered a viable path to peace and an end to violence.

About this title

About the Author

John Babak Ebrahimian is an independent scholar and filmmaker. He has taught cinema, literature, and mimetic theory at Stanford and Columbia Universities as well as Queens College. He is the author of The Cinematic Theater (2004) and Sculpting Space in the Theater (2006). His documentary film, In Search of Francis of Assisi, chronicles the life of the saint and is currently available on Amazon Prime.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cascade Books
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798385234578
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 172