A leading theorist of globalization provides a conceptually innovative framework for understanding sources of global violence.

The period since 1989 has been marked by the global endorsement of open markets, the free flow of finance capital and liberal ideas of constitutional rule, and the active expansion of human rights. Why, then, in this era of intense globalization, has there been a proliferation of violence, of ethnic cleansing on the one hand and extreme forms of political violence against civilian populations on the other?

Fear of Small Numbers is Arjun Appadurai’s answer to that question. A leading theorist of globalization, Appadurai turns his attention to the complex dynamics fueling large-scale, culturally motivated violence, from the genocides that racked Eastern Europe, Rwanda, and India in the early 1990s to the contemporary “war on terror.” Providing a conceptually innovative framework for understanding sources of global violence, he describes how the nation-state has grown ambivalent about minorities at the same time that minorities, because of global communication technologies and migration flows, increasingly see themselves as parts of powerful global majorities. By exacerbating the inequalities produced by globalization, the volatile, slippery relationship between majorities and minorities foments the desire to eradicate cultural difference.

Appadurai analyzes the darker side of globalization: suicide bombings; anti-Americanism; the surplus of rage manifest in televised beheadings; the clash of global ideologies; and the difficulties that flexible, cellular organizations such as Al-Qaeda present to centralized, “vertebrate” structures such as national governments. Powerful, provocative, and timely, Fear of Small Numbers is a thoughtful invitation to rethink what violence is in an age of globalization.

"“Fear of Small Numbers makes engaging reading. . . . The book provides a fine introduction to the conjunction of globalization, violence, and identity politics. Not overburdened with jargon or scholarly references, the book is accessible to readers both within and outside of academia and to an undergraduate audience. It will interest anthropologists, political scientists, policymakers, and students of conflict resolution and globalization.”" - American Anthropologist

"“Fear of Small Numbers will appeal to a sophisticated audience of professionals and college students, and the essay format makes it accessible to a general adult reading audience. . . . This book does stand out in the literature on globalization in developing and applying explanations for the behavior of key actors.”" - Perspectives on Political Science

"“Appadurai’s Fear of Small Numbers is an important contribution to the study of one of the most harmful aspects of modernity, violence against minorities. . . . “[It is] groundbreaking both for social theory and for political action. Even its questionable assertions inspire reflection on important issues. I highly recommend this book to all people interested in the fate of the contemporary world.”" - Comparative Studies in Society and History

"“Appadurai’s book is full of powerful insights both about globalization and about modern communal violence, especially in South Asia.”" - Common Knowledge

"“Due to its provocative character, the 137 pages of Appadurai's essay make it an excellent starting point for generating ideas for term papers in classes on globalization, genocide, ethnocide, or terrorism. Appadurai's clear, stylish writing means that even lower division undergraduates should have little difficulty generating thoughtful theses from this rich text.”" - Peace & Change