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The decline of violence is a global phenomenon from "summary" of The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker
The idea that violence has decreased over the course of human history may seem counterintuitive. After all, we are bombarded daily with news of war, crime, terrorism, and other acts of aggression. However, a closer look at the data reveals a different story. When we examine the long-term trends, we see a consistent pattern of declining violence across different time periods and regions. This trend can be observed in multiple forms of violence, including homicide, war, genocide, and even violent entertainment. For example, in medieval Europe, the homicide rate was estimated to be around 30 times higher than it is today. Similarly, the frequency of wars has decreased significantly since the end of World War II, with fewer countries engaged in armed conflict and fewer casualties overall. Moreover, the decline of violence is not limited to Western societies. Data from different cultures and time periods show similar patterns of decreasing violence. This global phenomenon suggests that there are underlying factors driving this trend, such as the spread of democracy, the rise of international organizations, and the increasing interconnectedness of the world. While it is important to acknowledge that violence still exists and continues to pose a threat to human well-being, understanding the long-term decline of violence can help us appreciate the progress that has been made and identify strategies for further reducing violence in the future. By recognizing this global trend, we can work towards building a more peaceful and secure world for all.
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