Contemporary Political Violence and its Legitimation

The legitimization of contemporary political violence is central to its understanding. Whereas in earlier times, self or group interest narrowly defined, provided, in most cases, sufficient justification, in recent times demand has grown for loftier ones. This is not to suggest that crusades & other religious wars of the past could be explained by material interest or conflict over scarce resources, although the latter might have aggravated them in some instances. Adapted from the source document.