The 8 Stages of Genocide

Stage 1. Classification Cultures have categories that distinguish “us and them” by Ethnicity Race Religion Ex. German or Jew, Hutu or Tutsi

Classification cont. Bipolar societies lacking mixed categories are most likely to have genocide Ex. Rwanda

Classification Prevention Develop universalistic institutions transcending ethnic or racial divisions Actively promote Tolerance Understanding Promote classifications that transcend divisions

Stage 2. Symbolism Giving names or symbols to classifications Ex. Jews, Gypsies Names and symbols distinguish by colors or clothing Does not directly result in genocide unless taken to next level When combined with hatred Symbols forced upon unwilling members of pariah groups Ex. Yellow star for Jews under Nazi rule

Symbolism Prevention Hate symbols and speech can be legally forbidden Ex. Swastikas Group markings can be outlawed Ex. Gang clothing, Tribal scarring ↘ Legal limitations will fail if unsupported by popular culture enforcement

Stage 3. Dehumanization One group denying the humanity of another group Ex. “Cockroaches” Overcomes normal human revulsion against murder Hate propaganda in media used to vilify the victim group

Dehumanization Prevention Incitement to genocide should not be confused with protected speech Genocidal societies lack constitutional protection for countervailing speech Should be treated differently than democracies Local and international leaders condemn use of hate speech and make it culturally unacceptable

Dehumanization Prevention cont. Leaders who incite genocide should be banned from international travel and have foreign finances frozen Hate radio and propaganda should be banned Hate crimes and atrocities should be punished

Stage 4. Organization Genocide always organized by the state using militias Provides deniability of state responsibility Ex. Janjaweed in Darfur Organization Informally Ex. Hindu mobs led by local RSS militants Decentralized Terrorist groups

Organization cont. Special army units or militants trained and armed Genocidal killing plans made

Organization Prevention Membership in militias should be outlawed Leaders should be denied international visas U.N. should impose arms embargoes on governments and countries involved in genocide Create commissions to investigate violations Ex. Post-genocidal sanctions in Rwanda

Stage 5. Polarization Extremists drive groups apart Hate groups broadcasting polarizing propaganda Laws created Ex. Forbidding intermarriage, forbidding social interaction Extremists target moderates Intimidate and silence centers Moderates from groups are most able to stop genocide First to be arrested and killed

Polarization Prevention Security protection for moderate leaders Assistance to human rights groups Seizure of assets of extremists International visas for extremists denied Coup d'état (overthrow) by extremists opposed By international sanctions

Stage 6. Preparation Identification and separation of victims because of: Ethnic identity Religious identity Death list created Victims forced to wear identification symbol Ex. Serial number for Jews

Preparation cont. Victims segregated into ghettos Deported to concentration camps Confined to famine-struck region starved

Prevention of Genocidal Preparation If regional alliances or U.N. security can be mobilized: Genocide Emergency must be declared Armed international intervention should be prepared Heavy assistance provided to victim group Humanitarian assistance organized by U.N. Private relief groups for refugees

Stage 7. Extermination Quickly becomes a killing legally called “Genocide” Called extermination to killers Do not believe their victims are fully human Sponsored by the state Armed forces work with militias to do the killing

Extermination cont. Genocide can result in revenge killings by groups against each other Downward whirl-pool cycle of bilateral genocide Ex. Burundi Only rapid armed intervention can stop genocide at this point

Extermination Prevention Real safe areas and refugee camps should be established Heavily armed international protection Small genocides U.N. Security Council should authorize The U.N. Standing High Readiness Brigade EU Rapid Response Force Regional forces

Extermination Prevention cont. Larger interventions Multilateral force authorized by the U.N. should intervene Regional alliances should act if U.N. cannot If strong nations will not provide troops, they should send Airlift Equipment Financial help

Stage 8. Denial Surest indicator of genocidal massacre Perpetrators of genocide Dig up mass graves Burn bodies Try to cover up evidence Try to intimidate witnesses

Denial cont. Genocidal perpetrators deny committing crime Blaming what happened on the victims Block investigation of crimes Continue to govern until forced to give up power Flee into exile Remain there with impunity until captured and tribunal is established Ex. Pol Pot, Idi Amin

Response to Denial Punishment by an international tribunal or national court Evidence is heard Perpetrator is punished