🛡️ New study of 58 countries finds human readiness for intergroup violence stems from two distinct motivations: defensive extremism (protecting one's group) and offensive extremism (seeking group dominance).

🌍 Defensive extremism, aiming to protect a group from perceived threats, is more prevalent globally, endorsed in 56 out of 58 surveyed nations, suggesting violence for protection is seen as more morally acceptable than for conquest.

🧠 Findings from over 18,000 participants reveal distinct psychological drivers: narcissism and manipulation lean towards defensive extremism, while a desire for dominance and religious fundamentalism link to offensive extremism. Psychopathy is related to both.

📈 Offensive extremist intentions are linked to societal dysfunction, including political terror and internal conflicts, particularly in countries with higher Global Terrorism Index scores and lower democracy/human development.

#Extremism #Psychology #GlobalSecurity

Shutting Down USAID Led to a Rise in Global Violence. Protests and riots increased by 10%, incidents of armed fighting rose by 6.9%, and battle-related fatalities grew 9.3%. The uptick in violence began almost immediately after the aid stopped and remained elevated for months.

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#GlobalSecurity #ForeignAidImpact #ViolenceIncrease