In a book that challenges the most widely held ideas of why individuals engage in collective conflict, Russell Hardin offers a timely, crucial explanation of group action in its most destructive forms. Contrary to those observers who attribute group violence to irrationality, primordial instinct, or complex psychology, Hardin uncovers a systematic exploitation of self-interest in the underpinnings of group identification and collective violence. "[The book] is written with acute moral sensitivity by a utilitarian individualist who not only wishes to explain what is going on in the world, but also tries to score points against the political practice, as well as the philosophical theory, of communitarianism."--Claus Offe, American Journal of Sociology "Hardin is invariably interesting in both his analyses and supporting materials. It is clear that a first-rate mind is at work here.... [The book] is innovative in developing the coordination game, reads well, and clearly will stimulate thinking on the future directions of game-theoretic analyses of norm development in social groups.... Essential reading."--Manus Midlarsky, Journal of Politics "An important, provocative assault on communitarianism and multiculturalist political theory and practice.... Hardin undoubtedly displays considerable ingenuity in trying to bring rational order to the analysis of Serbs fighting Croats [among many examples].... The range and sophistication of [Hardin's] applications of rational choice theory is breathtakingly adroit."--Bart Schultz, Canadian Philosophical Reviews