David C. Sorge

Sociologist of Social Movements, Critical Criminology, & Peace Studies

Diffusion and Collective Violence in India

Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Violence Spread

Status: Under Review

Preprint: Available on OSF

Presented: 2023 American Sociological Association Meeting, Philadelphia PA

Abstract: This paper examines the diffusion of collective violence across India using large-scale analysis of riot events. I test competing theories of violence diffusion, examining both geographic proximity and social network mechanisms.

Methods: Event history analysis, diffusion modeling, spatial analysis, large-scale news corpus analysis

Data: 7.3M Times of India articles (1950–2000)

Key Findings:

  • Violence spreads through predictable diffusion mechanisms
  • Geographic proximity and social networks both matter
  • Media coverage accelerates diffusion processes

Implications: Advances theoretical understanding of violence diffusion with practical applications for early warning systems and violence prevention strategies.