Rogers, M.L., & Pridemore, W.A. (2015). Global patterns and trends in homicide. Forthcoming in F. Brookman, E.R. Maguire, & M. Maguire (Eds.), Handbook on Homicide. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.

Abstract

In this chapter we describe regional and national homicide variation, exploring both geographic and temporal trends in homicide victimization across nations. For each region (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America) we discuss overall, male-, and female- specific homicide trends from approximately 1979 to 2010.  The aim of our discussion is purely descriptive in nature.  We do not speculate about the reasons for higher or lower homicide rates in regions or nations relative to others and changes in homicide rates over time in regions or nations, as these questions are empirical in nature.  Instead, we provide initial observations of geographic and temporal variation that will hopefully lead others to generate and test hypotheses meant to explain this variation.