Score contribution per author:
α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
Abstract This article sets the stage for this special issue on political violence by providing some necessary background and definitions. For example, data plots are displayed to capture past and recent trends in transnational and domestic terrorist attacks, interstate and intrastate wars, and battle-related deaths. These plots document the changing nature of political violence in recent years. Additionally, this article indicates the basic themes of each study in this issue, along with their primary findings and methodologies. Special issue articles shed light on important aspects of terrorism, civil wars, coups, and piracy.