The article sums up the main ideas of Steven Pinker’s book The Better Angels of our Nature, and introduces main currents of its criticism. The currents are categorized; thereafter the strength of Pinker’s opponents’ arguments is evaluated. The conclusions points towards coherence and sound empirical foundation of the school of thought emphasizing the civilizational downward trend in violence. Recognition of these trends can in turn help determine further steps in mitigating levels of political violence.