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BOOK INFORMATION

Title: How Violence Works: An Introduction to René Girard’s Mimetic Theory

Author: John Babak Ebrahimian

Publisher: Cascade Books

Publication Date: 2025

ISBN: Paperback 979-8-3852-3457-8, eBook 979-8-3852-3459-2

Format: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/How-Violence-Works-Introduction-Girards/dp/B0F91S5ST6

Publisher: https://wipfandstock.com/9798385234578/how-violence-works/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-violence-works-john-babak-ebrahimian/1147435134

BOOK SUMMARY

Short Summary (50 words)

How Violence Works uncovers the hidden force behind human conflict—desire. John Babak Ebrahimian, René Girard’s former student, explains how mimetic desire drives violence from personal rivalries to global wars, while offering insights into how understanding this mechanism can lead to peace.

Medium Summary (150 words)

This accessible introduction to René Girard’s mimetic theory reveals how violence stems from our desires. Drawing from literature, pop culture, psychology, mythology, and religion, the book explains how desire is always imitative—we desire what others want. While mimetic desire can be constructive, it also creates violent mechanisms like scapegoating, seen throughout history from ancient societies to modern conflicts including 9/11 and world wars.

Author John Babak Ebrahimian, who studied directly under René Girard at Stanford University, bridges decades of scholarly insight with clear explanations for modern readers. The book features original diagrams, artwork from the Metropolitan Museum, and practical applications showing how understanding mimetic theory can transform relationships and societies. Through examining Jesus Christ’s passion and resurrection, the book reveals how violence can end and peace can begin.

Extended Summary (300 words)

How Violence Works offers a groundbreaking exploration of human nature’s most destructive force through the lens of René Girard’s revolutionary mimetic theory. Author John Babak Ebrahimian, who had the unique privilege of studying directly under Girard at Stanford University, presents this complex philosophical framework in an accessible, conversational style that speaks to both scholars and general readers.

The book reveals that violence doesn’t stem from hatred or ideology, but from desire itself—specifically, our tendency to imitate the desires of others. This mimetic desire, while fundamental to human learning and culture, inevitably leads to rivalry, conflict, and eventually violence when multiple people desire the same object, position, or status.

Ebrahimian traces this pattern from everyday jealousies and workplace competition to massive historical events like the World Wars and 9/11. The book demonstrates how societies have historically managed this violence through the scapegoat mechanism—channeling collective anger toward a single victim to restore temporary peace.

Drawing from diverse sources including literature, pop culture, psychology, mythology, and religion, the book shows how this ancient pattern continues to shape modern life. Original diagrams and carefully selected artwork from the Metropolitan Museum illustrate key concepts, making complex theory visually accessible.

The book’s ultimate revelation focuses on Jesus Christ’s passion and resurrection, which Girard identified as history’s definitive exposure of the scapegoat mechanism. Rather than perpetuating cycles of violence, Christ’s teachings and sacrifice offer a path beyond mimetic rivalry toward genuine peace and reconciliation.

Enhanced with a glossary of mimetic terms, René Girard’s biography, and extensive supplemental reading lists, How Violence Works serves as both an introduction to one of the most important theories of human behavior and a practical guide for transforming conflict into compassion in personal relationships and society.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Short Bio (75 words)

John Babak Ebrahimian holds a PhD in French Literature from Stanford University, where he studied under René Girard and served as his teaching assistant. He has taught at Stanford, Columbia University, and Queens College. A filmmaker and scholar, Ebrahimian is the author of several books on theater and film and director of the award-winning films “In Search of Francis of Assisi” and “Annabel Lee.”

Medium Bio (150 words)

John Babak Ebrahimian received his PhD in French Literature from Stanford University, where René Girard served as his dissertation adviser. From 1993-1995, he was Girard’s teaching assistant and taught literature, cinema, and mimetic theory courses at Stanford. He later taught at Columbia University and Queens College in New York.

A multifaceted creative professional, Ebrahimian founded a Catholic film company and has produced and directed several acclaimed works, including the feature film “In Search of Francis of Assisi” (available on Amazon Prime) and the award-winning short film “Annabel Lee,” which won first place at the LA International Film Festival, Christian Online Festival, and Milan Arthouse Filmmaker Award.

His previous publications include “The Cinematic Theater” (Scarecrow Press, 2004) and “Sculpting Space in the Theater” (Focal Press, 2006). “How Violence Works” represents his most personal work—both an intellectual tribute to René Girard and a practical guide to understanding human violence.

Extended Bio (300 words)

Dr. John Babak Ebrahimian brings a unique perspective to mimetic theory as one of the few scholars who worked directly with René Girard during the master’s most productive years. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in French Literature and Comparative Literature from Cornell University, Ebrahimian pursued graduate studies at Stanford University, where fate connected him with Girard.

From 1993 to 1995, Ebrahimian served as Girard’s teaching assistant while completing his Master’s and PhD in French Literature under Girard’s guidance. Their relationship extended beyond the academic, featuring regular conversations at Stanford’s Tressider Union about the profound implications of mimetic theory for understanding human nature, culture, and the possibility of peace.

After completing his doctorate, Ebrahimian taught literature and cinema courses at Stanford before moving to New York in 1997, where he continued his academic career at Columbia University and Queens College. During his Columbia years, he expanded his creative work, producing and directing a new translation of Marivaux’s “Island of the Slaves” and creating “Ripples [The Night After],” a cinematic theater production commemorating 9/11.

In 2013, Ebrahimian founded a Catholic film company, reflecting his deep engagement with spiritual and philosophical themes. His directorial work includes the feature film “In Search of Francis of Assisi” (available on Amazon Prime) and the critically acclaimed short film “Annabel Lee,” which earned first place prizes at the LA International Film Festival, Christian Online Festival, and Milan Arthouse Filmmaker Award.

His previous publications include “The Cinematic Theater” (Scarecrow Press, 2004) and “Sculpting Space in the Theater” (Focal Press, 2006), published in England as “Theater Design: Behind the Scenes with the Top Set, Light and Costume Designers” (RotoVision, UK, 2006).

“How Violence Works” culminates decades of reflection on Girard’s revolutionary insights, offering both scholarly depth and practical wisdom for readers seeking to understand—and ultimately transcend—human violence.

KEY EXCERPTS

Opening Hook

“Love. War. Envy. Violence. Where do these come from? There’s a force at work in human nature. It’s behind us, before us, around us. From youth to old age, it animates our thoughts and directs our actions. It shapes every person, every people, every society, every culture. It’s been with us from the beginning of human civilization. It could also be the end of human civilization. But we couldn’t be human without it. It’s the source of our creativity and compassion. It’s also the source of our hatred, and it stokes our insatiable appetite for destruction…What is this force?”

On the Scapegoat Mechanism

“At this point you may be thinking that scapegoating represents a tragic flaw in the human species, the root cause for injustice and the most unspeakable crimes committed against our fellow human beings. And so it is—but it must also be emphasized that, for all the bloodshed it has unleashed, Girard believes the scapegoat mechanism has also been the primary means of averting the complete and total annihilation of humanity.”

On Jesus and Violence

“For the crucifixion to have the same structure as myth, it has to have a unanimous all-against-one victim mechanism. No one person or group of people can be held responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion. Virtually everyone participates in the violent contagion responsible for Jesus’ death, including almost all his apostles (hand-picked inner circle), who flee and betray Jesus by contributing to the sacrificial mob’s mentality and actions against him.”

On Hope for Peace

“Mankind can cross this abyss, but to do so all men together should adopt the single rule of the Kingdom of God. The decision to do so must come from each individual separately, however; for once, others are not involved.”

CRITICAL PRAISE

“Outstanding for its warm, lively, conversational tone and memorable, illustrative examples. Highly recommended.”

— Ann W. Astell, Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame

“An exciting book that fills a crucial need superbly.”

— Sandor Goodhart, Professor Emeritus, Purdue University

“Clear, useful, and honest. Never wavers from Girard’s directive: ‘We search for the truth; nothing else matters.'”

— William A. Johnsen, Editor, Contagion: Journal of the Colloquium on Violence and Religion

“A timely and welcome contribution to books about mimetic theory.”

— Martha J. Reineke, Professor of Religion Emeritus, University of Northern Iowa

KEY FEATURES & TOPICS

Book Features

  • Original diagrams explaining mimetic desire and scapegoat mechanism
  • Masterpieces from the Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Glossary of mimetic terms for quick reference
  • René Girard biography and annotated bibliography
  • Supplemental reading list for further study

Speaking Topics

  1. “Understanding Mimetic Desire: The Hidden Force Behind Human Behavior”
  2. “From Rivalry to Violence: How Competition Leads to Conflict”
  3. “The Scapegoat Mechanism: History’s Most Important Discovery”
  4. “Jesus Christ and the End of Violence”
  5. “Practical Applications of Mimetic Theory in Daily Life”
  6. “From Envy to Empathy: Transforming Relationships Through Understanding”
  7. “René Girard’s Legacy: Personal Memories and Lasting Impact”

SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Personal/Background

  1. How did you come to study under René Girard at Stanford?
  2. What was it like to work directly with the creator of mimetic theory?
  3. How did your background in film and theater influence your approach to explaining mimetic theory?

About the Book

  1. What makes “How Violence Works” different from other introductions to René Girard?
  2. Why is mimetic theory more relevant now than ever?
  3. How can ordinary readers apply these insights to their daily lives?

Mimetic Theory

  1. Can you explain mimetic desire in simple terms?
  2. How does the scapegoat mechanism operate in modern society?
  3. What role does Jesus Christ play in Girard’s theory?
  4. Is there hope for ending human violence?

Contemporary Applications

  1. How does mimetic theory explain current political conflicts?
  2. What would a society look like that understood mimetic theory?
  3. How can parents use these insights in raising children?

DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

High-Resolution Images

  • Professional author headshots (multiple options)
  • Book cover images (various sizes and formats)
  • Historical photos with René Girard
  • Diagrams from the book
  • Metropolitan Museum artwork featured in book

Text Resources

  • Author bio (short, medium, extended versions)
  • Book summaries (50, 150, 300 words)
  • Key excerpts and quotable passages
  • Interview questions and talking points
  • Book discussion guide

Audio/Video

  • Sample chapter readings
  • Author introduction video
  • Key concept explanation clips
  • Pronunciation guide for technical terms

MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION

For interviews, review copies, speaking engagements, or additional resources:

Please use the contact form to reach me directly.

Social Media:

Publisher Contact:

ORDERING INFORMATION

Primary Sales Link: https://www.amazon.com/How-Violence-Works-Introduction-Girards/dp/B0F91S5ST6

Available Formats:

  • Paperback
  • eBook (Kindle)
  • Audiobook

Also Available Through:

  • Barnes & Noble
  • IndieBound/Bookshop.org
  • Cascade Books direct
  • Academic bookstores
  • International distributors

Thank you for your interest in “How Violence Works.” We look forward to working with you.