Dr lynne fallwell comparative genocide
Comparative Genocide is a field of study that focuses on comparing and contrasting different genocides. The purpose of this subject of study is to determine whether or not there is a pattern to the crime of genocide. The study involves the comparison of current at-risk countries, retrospective cases and the precipitating factors and the legacies surrounding past genocides. The study of comparative genocide begins with studying an at risk country and its history of mass atrocities with an attempt to determine any sort of explanation that can be considered valid as to why genocides occur. The school of thought this study presents is that through the understanding of genocidal crimes and the making of comparisons; this educational approach can help a country's government, the United Nations and the world in the prevention of future genocidal crimes.
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History
Rwanda and Yugoslavia recently experienced mass violence that has been labeled "genocide". Both instances contributed to the crime of genocide being considered high-profile. The recent mass atrocities caused worldwide concern and debate. The phrase, "Never Again", was coined in reference to the holocaust and other genocides in order to emphasize the importance of history not repeating itself. It is believed that the responsibility has been put on the world to prevent it, rather than help a country rebuild after it occurs. This study of comparative genocide is now helping with the universality of the potential for genocide. Comparative genocide is derived from the UN Convention of Genocide, it refers to the academic and legal comparison of historical events.
Past genocides can give us the insight needed on current genocides, clarifying the issues raised on potential genocides today. The flaw in studying comparative genocide is that the term genocide is an essentially contested concept. The concept itself has various interpretations and in nature is controversial. It is difficult to determine what leads to a genocide, when the world cannot call certain atrocities just that; genocide.
Challenges
Comparing genocides is difficult because there are limited cases of genocide to study and of the cases that have occurred there are few committed that are legally considered crimes of genocide. Material to make these comparisons is difficult to acquire because post-genocide societies are divided. This division creates problems with access to field research due to cultural, lingual, racial and gender barriers.
Scholars who study comparative genocide look at Risk Assessment Analysis to determine whether or not a country is currently at risk. These studies examine a country's state of risk using methods such as the Curve of Conflict and Analytical Framework. These methods of study explore how conflict evolves in a certain country over time and determine where practitioners should apply their influence most productively.