Evolutionary Politics

A bizarre excursion into the surreal.

Anthony C. Lopez Ph.D.

Of Chimps and Men

Are we compelled to violence by our inner passions and brute instincts, or are we born peaceful yet pulled tragically into conflict by the various pressures of social life?

Are Mass Shootings Becoming More Common?

Are mass shootings on the rise? Looking at the data is not as simple as it may seem.

The Moral Imperative of War

The same moral psychology that has fueled social justice is also at work in pernicious cycles of violence.

Why Science and Politics Don't Mix

The marketplace of ideas stumbles upon psychological bias, political interest, and sacred values.

Why Is Forgiveness So Difficult?

Forgiveness is a well-known conflict resolution tool. The problem? So is revenge.

What If You Could Turn Off Aggression?

Neuroscientists are moving closer to an understanding of how aggression works. Can they turn it off for us? Should they try?

Psychology of the Underdog

Is there a tradeoff between strength and empathy? Why the strong read Clausewitz and the weak read Mao.