Bloody Revenge: Emotions, Nationalism, and War. Westview Press.

As violence erupts in endless cycles and old grievances reemerge throughout the world, we are challenged to examine the underpinnings of protracted conflict. In this bold new work, Thomas Scheff argues that the roots of protracted conflict lie in unacknowledged feelings of same and rage. These emotions come into play when the social bond is damaged, leading to alienation and a spiral of destructive conflict. According to Scheff, it is by recognizing the emotional source of conflict and repairing the broken social bond that peace is made possible.

"Brillant. exciting, and provocative . . . an analytical tour de force. Scheff boldly suggests a theory that explains the causes of war using a tightly-knit argument that is a credit to the growing maturity of the social sciences. This book must go at the top of your 1994 reading list."
William Chambliss--Sociology, George Washington University

"In an elegantly argued analysis, Thomas scheff has illuminated the causes of war in the light of family and small group behavior. This is masterful historical sociology, which undercuts the reason of state and the logic of nationalism that has sustained so many of the atrocities of our century. By examining how the simplest quarrels work, Scheff shows us how to begin to solve the seemingly intractable causes of violence in our time."
Edward Muir--History, Northwestern University

"A theoretical rich micro-macro synthesis that transforms the way we think about international conflict."
John Braithwaite--Philosophy and Law, The Australian National University

"Professor Scheff, in his latest book, boldly cuts across the conventional divisions between sociology, social psychology, and history. Ranging from the micro-processes of family quarrels to the broad sweep of international relations, Scheff outlines how shame--the 'master emotion'--haunts human conduct with lethal stealth. This is a truly original work."
Micheal Billig--Social Science, University Loughborough