Theory and method are applied to actual episodes in an effort to develop an objective theory of violence. This book presents an explanation of destructive conflict in terms of the interrelated concepts of alienation and shame. It is argued that protracted violence occurs under two basic conditions: the parties to the conflict are alienated from each other and are in a state of shame; and their alienation and shame go unacknowledged. The theory proposes that it is not alienation and shame per se that produce violence but, rather, alienation and shame lead to violence only when they are repressed or disguised, that is, when they are not acknowledged. When the path toward negotiation is blocked by inadequate bonds and hidden cross-currents of emotion, violence occurs. 7 figures, 3 tables, and 164 references