Explosive Conflict

Randall Collins is the Dorothy Swaine Thomas Professor of Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania. His articles and books are influential in many academic disciplines throughout the world. His books include Violence: A Micro-Sociological Theory, The Sociology of Philosophies: A Global Theory of Intellectual Change, and Conflict Sociology: A Sociological Classic Updated (Routledge).

• Introduction: Emergent and Self-Propelling Conflicts, Part 1. Time-Dynamics, 1 C-Escalation and D-Escalation: A Theory of the Time-Dynamics of Conflict, 2 Time-Bubbles of Nationalism, 3 Tipping Point Revolutions and State Breakdown Revolutions: Why Revolutions Succeed or Fail, 4 Time-Dynamics of Violence from Micro to Macro, Part 2. The Eye of the Needle: Emotional Processes, 5 Material Interests Are Ambiguous, So Interaction Rituals Steer Political Movements, 6 Mood-Swings in the Downfall of the English Revolution, 7 When History Holds Its Breath: The Take-Off of the French Revolution, 8 Assault on the Capitol: 2021, 1917, 1792, Part 3. War and Sport: Dynamics of Winning, Losing, and Stalemate, 9 The Micro-Sociology of Sport, 10 Battle Dynamics: Victory and Defeat, 11 High-Tech War in Theory and Reality, 12 Terrorist Tactics: Symbiosis with High-tech, Part 5. Violence in Everyday Life, 13 Emotional Domination and Resistance to Sexual Aggression, 14 Clues to Mass Rampage Killers, 15 Cool-Headed Cops Needed (and Cool Heads on the Street): Heart-Rate Monitors Can Help, Conclusion: Optimistic Discoveries in the Sociology of Violence

"This book is a major contribution to Collins’ influential theories of violence. It has a breadth and novelty of argument that can’t be found elsewhere." -- Ralph Schroeder, Oxford University"Collins offers a fresh and provocative perspective on the sociology of violence and grand theory."--Elijah Anderson, Yale University"Collins offers a way forward for sociology free of moralizing, doctrine, and prejudice that infects the work of others. Although instructors of a very wide range of courses teach Collins’s many books, this book is clearly a great choice for courses on sociological theory, historical sociology, political sociology, sociology of violence and conflict, and courses on public order/crowds/movements."--Anthony King, University of Warwick