Violence

Inter-species violence
Intra-species violence

Nature

Violence is the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or a group, resulting in or likely to result in injury, death, psychological harm, or deprivation. As a societal problem, violence undermines safety, disrupts communities, and impedes social and economic development. It manifests in various forms, including domestic abuse, armed conflict, and criminal acts, often perpetuating cycles of trauma and inequality. Addressing violence requires comprehensive strategies involving prevention, intervention, and support for victims, as well as efforts to address underlying causes such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of education.

Background

Violence has been recognized as a pervasive global issue since early human societies, with its significance documented in ancient legal codes and religious texts. Its impact gained heightened international attention in the 20th century, particularly following the devastation of two world wars and the emergence of global human rights frameworks. Increasingly, interdisciplinary research and international monitoring have deepened understanding of violence’s complex roots and far-reaching consequences across cultures and generations.

Incidence

Violence remains a pervasive global issue, affecting individuals and communities across all continents. According to the World Health Organization, over 1.3 million people die annually as a result of violence, with millions more suffering non-fatal injuries and psychological trauma. The problem spans domestic, interpersonal, and collective forms, impacting public health, social stability, and economic development worldwide.
In 2023, Sudan experienced a surge in violence following the outbreak of conflict between rival military factions in Khartoum. The clashes resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, widespread displacement, and severe humanitarian crises, drawing international concern and highlighting the devastating impact of armed violence.

Claim

It has not yet been determined why chimpanzees, genetically the closest relative of man, under some conditions live peacefully and at other times practice murderous genocidal and cannibalistic "warfare". Chimpanzees do engage in predation of other species, and it is therefore an open question how far this kind of violence is related to their intra-specific violence; particularly since they often eat the other chimpanzees that they kill. The exact interplay of innate violent predispositions, ecology, resource competition, mate competition, predation and territoriality are not yet understood.

Counter-claim

Although fighting occurs widely throughout animals species, only a few cases of destructive intra-species fighting between organized groups of have ever been reported among naturally living species, and none of these involve the use of tools designed to be weapons. Normal predatory feeding upon other species cannot be equated with intra-species violence. Warfare is a peculiarly human phenomenon and does not occur in other animals.