Dynamical symmetry breaking in non-Abelian gauge field theories

The possibility of dynamically induced spontaneous symmetry breaking is investigated in a general non-Abelian gauge theory with fermions. We present arguments which demonstrate how an asymptotically free gauge theory with fermions can lead to massive vector mesons without the presence of canonical scalar fields. In particular, the asymptotic freedom of the theory is exploited in an investigation of the relevant Bethe-Salpeter equation beyond the conventional ladder approximation. Differences between the Abelian and the non-Abelian gauge theories are discussed.