The Handbook of Collective Violence: Current Developments and Understanding

The first of its kind, The Handbook of Collective Violence covers a range of contexts in which collective violence occurs, bringing together international perspectives from psychology, criminology and sociology into one complete volume.

There have been significant advances made in the last 25 years regarding how collective violence is conceptualised and understood, with a move away from focusing on solely individual forms of violence toward examining and understanding violence that can occur within groups. This handbook presents some of the most interesting topics within the area of collective violence, drawing upon international expertise and including some of the most well-known academics and practitioners of our generation. Structured into four parts: understanding war; terrorism; public order and organized violent crime; and gang and multiple offender groups, this volume provides academics and practitioners with an up-to-date resource that covers core areas of interest and application.

Accessibly written, it is ideal for both academics and policymakers alike, capturing developments in the field and offering a deep theoretical insight to enhance our understanding of how such collective violence evolves, alongside practical suggestions for management, prevention and intervention.

Carol A. Ireland is a Consultant Chartered Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist and Chartered Scientist. She is a Reader in Aggression at the University of Central Lancashire and Senior Research Lead at the Ashworth Research Centre. She is also the Director of Studies for the MSc in Forensic Psychology. She holds a visiting/honorary professorship at Charles Sturt University. She currently works at the Coastal Child and Adult Therapeutic Services, working with children and adults who present with offence concerns and/or are victims.

Michael Lewis is a Chartered Psychologist, Chartered Scientist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire, Preston. He is the Research Lead for Policing and Security at the Ashworth Research Centre, Mersey Care NHS Trust, and as part of this role collaborates with numerous police forces across the UK. Dr Lewis is the Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice.

Anthony C. Lopez is an Associate Professor of Political Psychology in the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs, at Washington State University. Dr. Lopez serves as Associate Editor of Politics with the Evolution Institute and blogs regularly at Psychology Today.

Jane L. Ireland is a Chartered Forensic Psychologist and Chartered Scientist, holds a Professorial Chair at the University of Central Lancashire and is Violence Treatment Lead within High Secure Services, Ashworth Hospital. She holds three further (visiting/honorary) professorships at Abo Akademi University, Charles Sturt University and Cardiff Metropolitan University. She is currently academic lead for the Ashworth Research Centre.