Question...it has been said we live in a world that is safer than ever (for humans)... [View all]

[oldcynic]

...and I just doubt it. (the bomb, Trump, Le Pen, Brexit, National Rifle Ass, militarized police,etc. Let's just say this does not include species suicide). But I have no facts. Just feelings, guesstimates, anecdotes, so I'm calling on DU's collective brain to answer.

1. Are individual crimes against other individuals greater or lesser overall than in the past?

My guess is that the rate of individual crimes remains the same but increases proportional to population growth. The past means all the way back...to when our cousins roamed earth with us, when we were all still in Africa right through to yesterday.

2. Has the rate of state crimes (wars, executions, torture, displacement, etc) decreased or remained the same per population growth?

I'm using "state" as shorthand for any organizational activity: Viking invasions, one petty warlord raiding the next village, killing off Neanderthals, etc.

No alternative facts, please.