Category Archives: Religious Violence

Responding to Terrorism in Paris

Posted on January 17, 2015 by briansandberg

The director and fellows of the Institut d’Études Avancées de Paris—where I am currently serving as a Résident (Residential Fellow) during the 2014-2015 academic year—held a meeting in the aftermath of the attack on Charlie Hebdo to discuss ways in … Continue reading →

Posted in European History, European Union, French History, History of Violence, Human Rights, Paris History, Religious Violence, Terrorism | 1 Comment

La Marche Républicaine in Paris

Posted on January 17, 2015 by briansandberg

Things have been rather crazy in Paris over the past week with the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo, the shootings of police officers, the massive manhunt for the gunmen, and two police assaults on a print shop and a Hyper … Continue reading →

Posted in European History, European Union, French History, Human Rights, Paris History, Political Culture, Religious Violence, Terrorism | 1 Comment

A French September 11?

Posted on January 9, 2015 by briansandberg

The cover of Le Monde, the leading French newspaper, displayed a photo of the spontaneous rally at the place de la République on Wednesday evening, 7 January, following the horrific attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo earlier in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Atrocities, Civilians and Refugees in War, European History, European Union, French History, History of Violence, Human Rights, Paris History, Political Culture, Religious Politics, Religious Violence, Strategy and International Politics, Terrorism, War, Culture, and Society | Leave a comment

Islamic Radicalism or Mental Instability?

Posted on December 22, 2014 by briansandberg

A driver deliberately drove his car into pedestrians in Dijon, France, injuring at least eleven people. The driver aggressively swerved into pedestrians at five different locations in the city on the evening of Sunday 21 December. Witnesses reported that the … Continue reading →

Posted in French History, History of Violence, Political Culture, Religious Politics, Religious Violence | 1 Comment

Taliban Attack on Taverna Restaurant in Kabul

Posted on January 19, 2014 by briansandberg

Originally posted on Cluster for the Study of Religious Violence:
The Taliban launched a well-coordinated attack on the Taverna di Liban restaurant, which is located in one of the most secure neighborhoods in Kabul, Afghanistan. Foreign nationals and aid workers…

Posted in Civilians and Refugees in War, Religious Violence, Terrorism | Leave a comment

Changing Organization of Al-Shabab

Posted on September 28, 2013 by briansandberg

Originally posted on Cluster for the Study of Religious Violence:
The al-Shabab organization has clearly been evolving over the past months, perhaps leading to its spectacular attack on Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, last week. Analysts who study terrorist organizations…

Posted in Civil Conflict, Civilians and Refugees in War, History of Violence, Religious Politics, Religious Violence, Terrorism, War, Culture, and Society | Leave a comment

Is Violence Contagious?

Posted on September 28, 2013 by briansandberg

A new article in The Atlantic provocatively states that “Violence is Contagious.” Drawing on recent sociological and psychological studies, the article suggests that violence spreads like an epidemic. Certainly, metaphors frequently compare violence to a disease. Waves of violence are … Continue reading →

Posted in Arms Control, Civil Conflict, Civilians and Refugees in War, History of Violence, Religious Violence, Revolts and Revolutions, Terrorism, War, Culture, and Society | Leave a comment

Al-Shabab Attack in Nairobi

Posted on September 22, 2013 by briansandberg

Originally posted on Cluster for the Study of Religious Violence:
The militant group Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for an attack by multiple gunmen at a shopping mall in Nairobi known as the Westgate centre. The BBC reports that “The attackers…

Posted in Civil Conflict, Civilians and Refugees in War, History of Violence, Religious Politics, Religious Violence, Terrorism | Leave a comment

Growing Sectarian Violence in Iraq

Posted on September 21, 2013 by briansandberg

Originally posted on Cluster for the Study of Religious Violence:
Sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia militants is again growing in Iraq. A series of bombings targeting civilians at mosques and funerals has rocked Baghdad over the past week. In…

Posted in Civil Conflict, Civilians and Refugees in War, History of Violence, Religious Politics, Religious Violence, Terrorism, War, Culture, and Society | Leave a comment

UN Confirms Sarin Gas Used in Attack in Syria

Posted on September 16, 2013 by briansandberg

According to the BBC, “The UN has confirmed ‘unequivocally and objectively’ that chemical weapons have been used in Syria.” A new UN report based on forensic testing indicates that “sarin gas was used in a rocket attack in the Syrian … Continue reading →

Posted in Civil Conflict, Civilians and Refugees in War, History of Violence, Human Rights, Laws of War, Religious Violence, Revolts and Revolutions, Strategy and International Politics, War, Culture, and Society | Leave a comment