Assassinations/Violence in Politics

Assassination is the intentional targeting and killing of a prominent individual or group of individuals based upon their role or standing in political society. These acts of violence are distinctly political in nature and have occurred throughout history. Empirical studies of assassination events are sparse, yet these events may have a significant impact on societies and political systems. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in 1914 is often described as the spark that ignited World War I. Over time, the types of assassination targets have changed and may still include heads of state (in line with the traditional view of assassination), but contemporary assassinations also include other prominent individuals such as local mayors, law enforcement officials, journalists, and leaders of extremist organizations. This ...