The Science of Hate

Are our brains wired to hate?
Does online hate incite violence on the streets?
With hate crimes at an all-time high, what can we do to help turn the tide?Drawing on twenty years of research as well as his own experience as a hate crime victim, world-renowned criminologist Matthew Williams uncovers the answers to these pressing questions of our age.

Exploring evolution and biology as well as social media and global events such as financial meltdowns, worldwide pandemics and even sporting tournaments, Williams exposes the conditions for hateful behaviour. His journey sees him talking to perpetrators and victims, delving into the murky recesses of the internet and having his brain scanned by neuroscientists to reveal the science behind hate.

Traversing the globe and reaching back through time, from our tribal ancestors in prehistory to artificial intelligence in the twenty-first century, The Science of Hate is a groundbreaking and surprising examination of the elusive ‘tipping point’ between prejudice and hate.