Zizek argues that the physical violence we see is often generated by the systemic violence that sustains our political and economic systems. With the help of eminent philosophers like Marx, Engel and Lacan, as well as frequent references to popular culture, he examines the real causes of violent outbreaks like those seen in Israel and Palestine and in terrorist acts around the world. Ultimately, he warns, doing nothing is often the most violent course of action we can take.

Since the deaths of Jacques Derrida in 2004 and Jean Baudrillard in 2007 ... Zizek has quickly cemented his position as the world's prominent philosopher and cultural theorist. -- Matthew Taunton * New Statesman *
Zizek is ... the most formidably brilliant exponent of psychoanalysis, indeed of cultural theory in general, to have emerged in Europe for some decades -- Terry Eagleton
An essay by the "Elvis of cultural theory" is wisely chosen to launch a handsome new series on "Big Ideas". Violence is nothing if not an exciting read; provocative ideas abound on every page. -- Mark Vernon * The Philosophy Magazine *
writes with an engaging eloquence that is appealing to the reader, despite the highbrow nature of the work...Zizek displays an originality here which shows why he is one of the more respected philosophers in the western world. A worthwhile and thought-provoking read. * Sunday Business Post *

Slavoj Zizek is a Slovenian sociologist, postmodern philosopher and cultural critic. In 1990 he ran for Presidency of the Republic of Slovenia and is currently the international director of the Centre for Advanced Studies in the Humanities at Birkbeck.