“The Shadow of Power: Philosophical Perspectives on Violence and Politics” examines the complex relationship between violence and political power. This book explores diverse philosophical perspectives on violence and politics, drawing from the works of influential thinkers like Hannah Arendt, René Girard, Simone de Beauvoir, and many others. The various perspectives contextualize themselves in the multiple instances of the use of violence for political ends, ranging from historical colonialism and war to modern manifestations in terrorism, state violence, and ideological control. It also analyzes the role of power dynamics, propaganda, and discrimination in fueling cycles of violence. Overall, “The Shadow of Power” aims to provoke readers to critically engage with the dynamics of power struggles by reflecting on the intersection of philosophy, politics, and violence, hoping to contribute to the pressing need for peace and justice in the world.

Contents

Foreword
Preface

ISSUES AND PERSPECTIVES

Chapter 1: Genocide as a Political Tool: A Historical and Contemporary Analysis
                Angel Deepthi Gabriel and Princeton Da Gama

Chapter 2: Who Is S-He in This In-Dependent World?
                Niroshan Croos and Vilnisha Borges

Chapter 3: Curriculum and Violence: Radicalisation of Education
                Rohan D’Almeida and Tomy Issac

Chapter 4: From Violence toward Fair and Just Society: Analysing Manipur’s Ethnic Violence
                Paul Veingaulou and Sushil Hansdak

Chapter 5: Hannah Arendt’s Political Philosophy and its Relevance in Contemporary Socio-political Issues
                Elio Setu and Kiran Allen Branco

Chapter 6: Girardian Perspective of Mimetic Violence: With an Emphasis on the Ayodhya Issue
                Kollara John Mathew and Maria Divij

ROOTS AND CAUSES

Chapter 7: Are We Inherently Violent? Exploring the Roots and Impact of Violence
                Suman D’Souza and Agil Roy

Chapter 8: Fear as a Catalyst for Political Violence: An Empirical and Philosophical Exploration
                Nithin Jameson and David Mathew

Chapter 9: Disinformation in the Digital Age and the Politics of Violence
                Dolichan Kollareth

RESPONSES AND SOLUTIONS

Chapter 10: A Philosophical Investigation of Fascist Ideology as a Recipe for Violence in India
                  Ovin Rodrigues and Jeevan Kishore

Chapter 11: Levinas’ Responsibility for the Other as a Response to Violent Socio-Political Society
                  Arokiaraj Patrick

Chapter 12: Exploring the Feasibility of Dangerous Memories as a Non-Violent Antidote to Evil in Contemporary Indian Politics
                  Anila Wilson and Nirmal Savio Paul

Contributors

Dr. Dolichan Kollareth is a Jesuit priest of the Kerala Province. He holds a Licentiate degree in Philosophy and a Ph.D. in Social Psychology. He currently serves full-time as an Associate Professor of Psychology at Jnana Deepa, the Pontifical Institute of Philosophy and Theology, Pune, India. Additionally, he holds a visiting professorship in Psychology at St. Vincent’s College, Pune, India, and serves as a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Boston College, Boston, USA.

Dr. Arokiaraj Patrick is a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) of the Pune Province and currently teaches philosophy and psychology at Satya Nilayam, the Institute of Philosophy for Jesuits in Chennai. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the Gregorian University, Rome, and an M.Phil. degree in Philosophy from the University of Pune. He has been conducting courses on various topics in philosophy, psychology, and religion.