Why are some democracies so violent, and can they be made safe?

The world has become consistently less peaceful and more violent over the past decades. Contrary to popular perception, however, neither war nor terrorism is a leading source of this violence. So what are the main factors that account for this trend across states and societies, which has become especially prevalent among democracies in the developing world?

This event, co-organised by the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Overseas Development Institute, will explore this question and ask what the implications may be for how international actors and the donor community seek to address the problem of violence and conflict.

Anchored around Rachel Kleinfeld's new book A Savage Order, the event will begin with a discussion on the book, followed by remarks from a panel. The discussion will feature insights on the links between violent groups, organised crime and (democratic) politics from a variety of perspectives, and reflect on some of the responses that have been explored in different settings to overcome violence.

Contributing Chair

Alina Rocha Menocal, Senior Research Fellow, Politics and Governance, Overseas Development Institute (ODI)

'A Savage Order'

Dr Rachel Kleinfeld, Senior Fellow, Democracy, Conflict and Governance Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

in conversation with

Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, Director of the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute

Discussants

• Dr Markus Mayer, Regional Director, Asia, International Alert
• Prof. Jenny Pearce, Latin America and Caribbean Centre, London School of Economics