A General Theory of Violence
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The General Theory of Violence is an impact-oriented analytical framework applicable to any form of violence in any context[1]. It was first proposed in relation to armed violence.[2]. It posits that the impact of any act of violence[3] can be interpreted in terms of its impact on the health[4] of the victim or victims. The determinants of - or risk factors for - this impact are:
- The intent of the perpetrator or perpetrators;
- The physical capacity (the weapons) at their disposal;
- The vulnerability of the victim or victims to the impact in question.
The Theory explains how for any form of violence in any context, all three risk factors for the impact must always be present.
Applications of the General Theory of Violence[edit]
The Theory has served as the basis for a data-gathering model in which the risk factors for a given impact of violence were quantified using reports of real violent events[5] [6]. The same model has also been used as the basis for data gathering for studies about explosive force in populated areas[7], attacks on journalists[8], sexual violence in both the Democratic Republic of Congo[9] and Zimbabwe[10], and attacks on health care workers and facilities[11]. It has also been proposed as one means to bring science to the concept of human security[12]. Insecurity Insight uses the same model and houses a large database pertaining to attacks on and insecurity of humanitarian aid workers and health care. In 2023, Insecurity Insight analysed attacks on health care in Ukraine; the results could eventually be used as evidence in the prosecution of war crimes[13].
The General Theory of Violence considered together with a modified Allport's Scale is currently the basis of a module entitled “Humanity and Violence” in the Master’s Course on Humanitarian Leadership at the University of Lucerne in Switzerland. The Theory promotes an understanding of violence that provides for a modern and scientific dialogue about humanity[14] [15]
References[edit]
- ↑ A Theory of Violence, University of Lucerne
- ↑ Coupland, R., “Armed violence,” Medicine and Global Survival, vol. 7, 2001, pp. 33-37.
- ↑ The World Health Organization definition of violence. “The intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment or deprivation.”
- ↑ The World Health Organization definition of health. “A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
- ↑ Taback, N.; Coupland, R. (2005), "Towards Collation and Modelling of the Global Cost of Armed Violence on Civilians.” Medicine, Conflict and Survival. 21 (1): 19–27. doi:10.1080/1362369042000315032. PMID 15690624. S2CID 35779029.
- ↑ Disarmament Insight (2007), "Analyzing armed violence: the Taback - Coupland model.”
- ↑ Action on Armed Violence (2009), "Explosive Violence: The Problem of Explosive Weapons.”
- ↑ Taback, N.; Coupland, R. (2006), ”Security of Journalists: Making the Case for Modelling Armed Violence as a Means to Promote Human Security.” Thinking Outside the Box in Multilateral Disarmament and Arms Control Negotiations by John Borrie and Vanessa Martin Randin (eds), United Nations publication, Sales No.GV.E.06.0.16; pp. 191–206.
- ↑ Taback, N.; Painter, R.; King, B. (2008), "Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.” JAMA. 300 (6): 653–4.
- ↑ “Electing to Rape: Sexual Terror in Mugabe's Zimbabwe.” AIDS-Free World. 2009. p. 52.
- ↑ Robin, C.; Wille, C.; Taback, N.; Regard, S.; ICRC (2011), ”Sixteen Country Study: Health Care in Danger.”
- ↑ Taback, N.; Coupland, R. (2007), "The science of human security.” Medicine, Conflict and Survival. 23 (1): 3–9.
- ↑ Physicians for Human Rights (2023), “Destruction and Devastation: One Year of Russia's Assault on Ukraine's Health Care System”
- ↑ Coupland, R., “The humanity of humans: philosophy, science, health or rights?” Health and Human Rights 2003;7:159-166
- ↑ Coupland, R. (2018), “Let’s talk Humanity.”
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