Who Benefits from Global Violence
Book Review by Mitch Hall
(published in Nonviolent Change Journal, Autumn 2010)
Who Benefits From Global Violence and War: Uncovering a Destructive System by Marc Pilisuk with Jennifer Achord Rountree. Westport, CT: Greenwood/Praeger (2008)

This important book is a tour de force of erudition and scholarship, lucid exposition and organization, cogent reasoning, psychological depth, and compassionate motivation. It is written in clear, accessible language and a warm, humane voice. Each proposition is supported by well-documented evidence, including historical case studies. Through “uncovering a destructive system,” the author aspires to inform, inspire, and empower readers to take part in the just transformation of this violence-ravaged world. In other words, this book’s purpose is to empower activists for peace, human rights, and ecological sustainability. It is a guidebook to the intricate, highly organized networks that dominate and are destroying so much of the world in which we live. “The thesis here is that the hidden force underlying a large and increasing portion of contemporary violence is the global corporate economy” (pp. 50-51). The book marshals a cohesive, compelling integration of facts, insights, and perspectives to support this thesis

In the Introduction, Pilisuk acknowledges that, “looking at the deeper causes of violence is painful”  and that it has been so for him personally “over the years it takes to write such a book” (p. xi). With empathy for readers, he wisely recommends five beautiful “commitments” that support a humane vision, hope, and self-care. For example, we are encouraged to “retain the hope that deeper understanding will contribute to empowering each of us in what we to to create a world of peace” (p. xii).The deeper understanding that Pilisuk offers is an antidote to the kinds of disinformation and lack of historical perspective in the popular media that are among the subjects addressed. He also defines his terms to deepen our inquiry. For example, “I define violence broadly as any affront to the life, well-being, or dignity of a person. Any activity that increases the suffering of others is violent” (p. 49). Following this definition, we learn about the interrelated cultural, structural, and direct dimensions of violence and see the devastating impacts on the lives of ordinary people.

Each successive chapter builds upon the preceding ones, and some chapters begin helpfully with a concise recapitulation of the argument so far. We are led in the final chapter to question ourselves about the “values and habits that maintain a violent system” (p. 199). For some of us, it may be easier to look at the misdeeds and excesses of corporate executives, politicians, military leaders, billionaires, and the mass media than at ourselves. After all, “the latent beliefs of one’s own culture are often the most difficult to notice” (p. 224).

The book ends with a “summary and somewhat hopeful prognosis” (p. 223). We are reminded that, “a surge in local grassroots involvement in projects large and small is creating a new type of social movement, not dependent upon adherence to some creed or following a leader, but more like a groundswell of humanity toward creating a caring society and preserving a planet suitable for our long-term viability. But that is a story being written by people outside of the main circles of power and the topic for another book” (p. 225).

Fortunately for all of us, that other book is now in press and is expected to be published this spring by ABC-CLIO in Santa Barbara. It is a three-volume anthology entitled Peace Movements Worldwide: History, Psychology, and Practices, edited by Marc Pilisuk and Michael Nagler. Stay tuned for this new work, also aimed to inspire activists. Meanwhile, if you have not done so already, please read, discuss, and recommend Who Benefits from Global Violence and War. It is a gift to humanity from a peace psychologist who has devoted his career to reducing violence and enhancing health, social justice, understanding, and peace.

Note: A revised and updated version of this book was subsequently published:
The Hidden Structure of Violence: Who Benefits from Global Violence and War, by Marc Pilisuk and Jennifer Achord Rountree, New York: Monthly Review Press, 2015.