Reflections on the future of violent conflict

Violent conflict comes in many forms. It ranges from interpersonal tensions and disputes settled in violent ways to collective ambitions and grievances pursued by taking up arms. Perhaps originally a means to an end, conflict can be self-perpetuating as those involved lose sight of their original claims and aspirations. The notion of “violence entrepreneurs” speaks to the ways in which criminal and political violence are situated on a continuum along which the legality and legitimacy of resorting to violence and the use of force are difficult to disentangle.