Genocide

Research

Genocide is a broad, interdisciplinary area of social science. It rests up on the work of Raphael Lemkin and the advent of the United Nations Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. My perspective on genocide stems from the sociological roots of Lemkin's published and unpublished work. I take a critical approach to identity categories that have emerged in genocide studies, advocating a social actor approach in my PhD research. I generally adhere to the view at genocide is the destruction of groups, with or without intended action.

Furthermore, I look at genocide from a narrative analysis viewpoint. The stories we tell about mass violence and group destruction impact identity in fundamental ways, and can increase the capacity for continued violence. Genocide is also at the forefront of the Anthropogenic climate change. In these instances group destruction occurs where extreme market completion for resources overlaps with violent human conflict and the effect of climate change.

Suggested reading

Teaching

Mass Atrocity Prevention in Policy and Practice, Clark University (2022)

The prevention of mass atrocity can be framed as a paradox: by the time it is seen it is often too late to prevent. This course will interrogate this paradox by examining global case studies and theories around broader conflict prevention, focusing on transformation. A range of issues involved in prevention will be addressed through considering international, state, and local mechanisms and practices. Additional themes include: the problem of political will, the dynamics of “global” anti-genocide activism, resiliency as survival, possibilities for peacebuilding, and multidirectional memory. Various theory and practice experts will be consulted through a wide range of both social science and policy readings. Learners will get to hear from activists and prevention workers on the ground who are building anti-genocide protections into societies. The course is reading and research intensive, offering learners an opportunity to engage in a group research project around the dynamics of prevention.

Gender and Genocide workshop, University of Bradford (2016-2018)

This workshop introduces and examines the intersections of gender, genocide and sexual violence. Key to discussion will be the conceptualizations of genocide, perceptions and “realities” of gender in mass violence, and the empirics of sexual violence. The concept and history of gendercide will also be reviewed, and situated in the wider field of genocide studies using scholars such as Adam Jones. Various cases will be considered, including but not limited to the DR Congo, Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Myanmar, and the Holocaust. Participants will be encouraged to make critical reflection and comparisons, within the overall objective of understanding experiences and theories of gender and genocide.

Modern Genocide, Utah Valley University (2011-2012)

Explores and analyzes the major genocides of the twentieth century: the Armenian Massacre, the Holocaust, the Killing Fields of Cambodia, the Balkan genocides, and the Rwandan genocide. Promotes a greater understanding of why and how genocides occurred in the twentieth century. Teaches and improves critical thinking, writing, and comprehension skills and develops additional skills in using comparative history, historiography, and primary and secondary sources.

Genocide Theory and Prevention, Utah Valley University (2011-2012)

Theoretical analysis of what genocide is and is not by an immersion into the issues of definitional conundrums, the politics of defining genocide and the theories that explain this phenomenon.  This includes a discussion of competing explanations includes ideology, war, social psychology, nation-states, colonialism, and racism. We will explore explanations of involvement in genocide (looking beyond perpetrators, bystanders, and victims), and theoretical and practical implications for prevention.