Interdisciplinary and international in scope, this volume forms the foundations for a Durkheimian sociology of violence, exploring the political anthropology of war, the rapport between power and the sacred, and various forms of contemporary irrationalism ranging from mass-mediated suicide to torture at Abu Ghraib.

• Offers new theoretical paradigms and original theory
• Forms the foundations for a radical Durkheimian sociology of violence
• Explores the political anthropology of war, ranging from mass-mediated suicide to torture at Abu Ghraib
• Contributions are made be leading Durkheim experts