In the Girardian view, violence is reciprocal and imitative. It escalates in a never-ending cycle, often taking society along with it. Hamlet avenging the murder of his father, until he is killed in turn. Saddam Hussein and Bush Sr. Bush Jr. and Saddam Hussein. The noose is put over Saddam’s head, but it gives way to the next feud. Shiites and Sunnis. Americans and ISIS. Sworn blood feuds lasting for generations.
