Circles of Peace. A Video Analysis of Situational Group Formation and Collective Third-Party Intervention in Violent Incidents

Abstract We seek to understand collective third-party intervention in violent incidents. Based on analyses of 131 video clips captured mobile phones, we argue that bodily alignment between bystanders creates situational groups encourage de-escalatory action. Qualitative analysis reveals third parties generate when they create circular formations, providing greater opportunities notice each other’s monitoring the situation while separating those focused incident from others just passing by. Statistical shows formation facilitates collectivization In contrast popular but outdated ideas about dangerous influence assemblies individual behaviour (allegedly leading disorder or apathy), our findings emphasize self-regulatory, defusing capacity gatherings.