To What Extent Should National Interest be Pursued? Genocide

Just a, “Heads up.” As we move to look at genocide and its relation to national interest and ultranationalism some of the information we discuss and pictures we look at will be of a graphic nature. Please also be aware that its normal to be interested in these kinds of topics so please don’t be embarrassed to ask questions or for extra resources.

Prior Thoughts Why do you think atrocities like genocide happen? Does Canada have a moral obligation to get involved in cases of genocide or other crimes against humanity?

What is Genocide according to the UN? Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide New York, 1948 This convention declares genocide a crime under international law. It defines what genocide is, and condemns this crime whether it's committed in peacetime or wartime.

Definition Continued… The convention defines genocide as any act committed with the idea of destroying in whole or in part a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. This includes such acts as: Killing members of the group Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group Deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to physically destroy the group Forcefully transferring children of the group to another group No UN body to oversee these

Thinking About the Definition Can you think of any challenges created by this broad definition? Do you think having a definition makes these atrocities less likely?

The 8 Stages of Genocide. Knowing these help to identify and stop genocide before mass killings occur. http://genocidewatch.net/alerts-2/new-alerts/

1.) Classification All cultures have categories to distinguish people into “us and them” Bipolar societies that lack mixed categories, such as Rwanda and Burundi, are the most likely to have genocide

2.) Symbolization We give names or other symbols to the classifications. Classification and symbolization are universally human and do not necessarily result in genocide unless they lead to dehumanization.

3.) Dehumanization One group denies the humanity of the other group Dehumanization overcomes the normal human revulsion against murder At this stage, hate propaganda in print and on hate radios is used to vilify the victim group

4.) Organization Genocide is always organized, usually by the state. Often uses militias to provide deniability of state responsibility (Junjaweed in Dafur). Special army units or militias are often trained and armed. Plans are made to start the killings. Supplies given - think machetes in Rwanda

Junjaweed Means: A man on a horse with a gun.

5.) Polarization Extremists drive the groups apart. Hate groups broadcast polarizing propaganda. Laws may forbid inter-group marriages or even social engagements. Terrorism is carried out against moderate forces and their followers. Moderates within the genocidal group are often the first to be killed as they are most able to prevent genocide. (Stalin and purges).

6.) Preparation National or perpetrator group leaders plan the “Final Solution” They often use euphemisms to cloak their intentions. Leaders often claim that “if we don’t kill them, they will kill us.”

7.) Extermination EXTERMINATION begins, and quickly becomes the mass killing legally called “genocide.” When it is sponsored by the state, the armed forces often work with militias to do the killing. It is “extermination” to the killers because they do not believe their victims to be fully human At this stage, only rapid and overwhelming armed intervention can stop genocide.

8.) Denial Always follows genocide. It is among the surest indicators of further genocidal massacres. They block investigations of the crimes, and continue to govern until driven from power by force.