Topics in the Neurobiology of Aggression: Implications to Deterrence February 2013 Contributing Authors: Robert M. Sapolsky, Ph.O., Stanford University, John A. Gunn, Ph.O., Stanford University, Cynthia Fry Gunn Ph.O.,Stanford University, Allan Siegel, Ph.O., New lersey Medicai 5chool, lordan Grafman, Ph.O., Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Pamela Blake, M.D., Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital, Peter K. Hatemi, Ph.O., Pennsylvania State University, Rose McOermott, Ph.O., Brown University, Anthony C. Lopez, Ph.O., Washington State University, Paul J. Zak, Ph.O., Claremont Graduate University, James Giordano Ph.O., MPhil., Georgetown University Medicai (enter, Roland Benedikter Ph.O., DrPhil., Stanford University, & Lieutenant Generai Robert E. Schmidle, Jr., United States Marine Corps Editors: Dr. Diane DiEuliis (HHS) and Dr. Hriar Cabayan (ODO) A Strategie Multi-layer (SMA) Periodic Publieation Th" white volume represents the ""'-and opinionsof the<ontribut;n~auth()f!ò. Th" repo<! d...... not representofficial USG l'''!i<v or J>05ition Cleared for open publication; distribution is unlimited Approved for Public Release Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 4 Topic Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 5 Introduction to the Neurobiology of Aggression ........................................................................................ 10 The issue of definitions ....................................................................................................................... 10 Neurobiological aspects ...................................................................................................................... 10 Sensory regulation of aggression-related neurobiology ..................................................................... 11 Hormonal effects on pertinent parts of the brain .............................................................................. 12 Early experiences and the pertinent neurobiology ............................................................................ 13 Genes and aggression ......................................................................................................................... 13 The evolution of aggression ................................................................................................................ 13 Conclusions ......................................................................................................................................... 14 Part I: Aggression and the Brain.................................................................................................................. 16 Chapter 1: Premeditated vs. impulsive aggression ................................................................................. 16 Overview of affective (impulsive) and predatory (premeditated) aggression in the cat ................... 16 Corresponding forms of aggression in humans .................................................................................. 17 Predatory attack.................................................................................................................................. 18 Regions and pathways mediating defensive rage and predatory attack ............................................ 19 Affective defense behavior ................................................................................................................. 19 Predatory attack behavior .................................................................................................................. 20 Anatomical and functional relationship between the medial and lateral hypothalamus .................. 21 Limbic structures associated pathways modulating aggression and rage .......................................... 21 Amygdala ............................................................................................................................................ 22 Hippocampal formation and septal area ............................................................................................ 22 Prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex ................................................................................. 23 Chapter 2: The Aggressive Brain ............................................................................................................. 24 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 24 Key Brain Regions Involved in Aggressive Behavior ............................................................................ 25 Genetics and Aggression ..................................................................................................................... 26 Influence of Environmental Exposure to Aggression .......................................................................... 27 Chapter 3: Role of Genes/environment .................................................................................................. 33 Pathways for Potential Intervention ................................................................................................... 38 A Real World Problem that Necessitates Neurobiological Research: The Strategic Use of Outrage to Instigate or Motivate Violent Action................................................................................................... 40 Part II: Implications of Aggressive Behavior................................................................................................ 42 Chapter 4: Punishment and Reward ....................................................................................................... 42 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 42 State of Knowledge: Punishment and Reward Within Groups. .......................................................... 42 Punishment and Reward Between Groups ......................................................................................... 46 Concluding Remarks ............................................................................................................................ 48 Chapter 5: Threat Perception and Deterrence ....................................................................................... 52 The Psychology of First Strike, Coalitionary Humans and Maximum Response ................................. 54 Leadership and Group Dynamics ........................................................................................................ 57 Chapter 6: Oxytocin and the reduction of aggression ........................................................................... 62 Trust .................................................................................................................................................... 63 Pathology ............................................................................................................................................ 65 Environment........................................................................................................................................ 66 Part III: Systems Understanding .................................................................................................................. 68 Toward a Systems Continuum: On the Use of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology to Assess and Affect Aggression, Cognition and Behavior ............................................................................................ 68 Introduction: Advances in Neuroscience and Neurotechnology ........................................................ 68 Neuro-ecology: Interacting Systems of Neurobiology and Culture. ................................................... 69 NeuroS/T to Assess and Affect Human Ecology .................................................................................. 72 Neurosecurity - A Key Component of Deterrence and Defense ......................................................... 72 Practical Questions; Ethico-legal Concerns: Issues of Power ............................................................. 79 Addressing Challenges and Opportunities: A Path Forward ............................................................... 80 Conclusions ......................................................................................................................................... 82 Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................. 82 References .......................................................................................................................................... 82 Summary Chapter: An Integrated Approach to Understanding Human Behavior ................................. 85 Appendix: Lexicon ....................................................................................................................................... 89 Approved for Public Release Executive Summary This paper provides a series of selected topics on the neurobiological basis of aggression, in the interest of introducing this field of science to the community of experts in deterrence. Thus the topics covered are those of most relevance to inform a deterrence community