On Violence

Hannah Arendt's On Violence (1970) explores the complex relationship between violence, power, and politics. Arendt distinguishes between power, which arises from collective action and agreement, and violence, which is instrumental and can destroy power. She argues that violence is not inherent to human nature but is a political phenomenon that can be used to achieve political ends, often in the absence of genuine power. The work critiques the common understanding of violence and its role in political discourse, suggesting that violence is often a symptom of powerlessness rather than a sign of strength.1