Genocide Studies Reader

This thorough overview of all aspects of the field of genocide studies brings together for the first time classic and contemporary writings from some of the most noted scholars writing on genocide in the fields of genocide studies, political science, history, and sociology. The Reader covers key aspects of a host of complex and thorny issues, such as the definition of genocide, theories of genocide, prevention and intervention, and its denial. This collection of writings is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand this most atrocious form of political violence that has plagued human history.

"The Genocide Studies Reader is a very useful introduction to the many acts of genocide all over the world as well as to the genocide studies field in general. Analyzing legal and sociological definitions and discussions, this book is an essential synthesis of the works produced in English on the subject." —Dr. Daniel Feierstein, Director, Center of Genocide Studies, Universidad Nacional de Tres de Febrero, República Argentina"This reader provides an excellent introduction to the field of genocide studies. Ranging far and wide, the volume includes foundational essays and covers key topics such as issues of definition, sexual violence, prevention, legal redress, intervention, and denial. It is a great resource both for classroom use and for scholars, students, and anyone interested in genocide."—Alex Hinton, Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights, Rutgers, Newark"It is no longer the historical occurrence of genocide that preoccupies social scientists, rather its disturbing recurrence in recent times despite the international conventions drawn up to protect human rights. To address this new reality, this instructive reader on the subject of genocide goes beyond the challenges of definition, theory, and history, and looks at the promise of intervention, prosecution, and prevention. All aspects of the problem of genocide are explored with particular attention to the issue of sovereignty and adjudication in the face of the hurdles of the claims of immunity and denials of responsibility. This collection of authoritative voices addressing this most serious crime against humanity brings new focus to the conflict between national and international interests and between standards of legality and the claims of state authority, and underscores no less the importance of studying the problem as much as developing the instruments to restrain mass violence."—Dr. Rouben Adalian, Director, Armenian National Institute"This is a truly excellent collection of readings and an important addition to the field of genocide studies. I very much look forward to using it with my students and thus giving them an additional opportunity to expand their knowledge of the field. Professors Totten and Bartrop are to be commended for putting together such an insightful and valuable collection of readings. Well done!"—Steven Jacobs, The University of Alabama

Samuel Totten is a Professor at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He is a co-founding editor of Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal. He has also been a Fulbright Fellow at the Centre for Conflict Management, National University of Rwanda.Paul R. Bartrop is an honorary fellow in the Faculty of Arts at Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, head of the department of history at Bialik College, Melbourne, and a Past President of the Australian Association of Jewish Studies.