war and political instability suggests it was more so a by-product of the other
circumstances rather than a circumstance in itself.
By comparing the situations and outcomes of genocidal action in the Ottoman
Empire during the First World War, in Democratic Kampuchea under the Khmer
Rouge, and in Rwanda in 1994, notable similarities begin to emerge. These similarities
are not necessarily regarding the way genocide was conducted or the impact on
society, but certainly in the circumstances that may have contributed to genocide
occurring. Political instability caused by coups or revolutions, as well as civil and
national wars often allow a breakdown of democracy or the rise of an authoritarian
elite with exclusivist or nationalist views. Pre-existing social cleavages can become
more prominent due to increased immigration, refugee crises, or increased attention
from the media (the latter is especially true in situations where authoritarian
exclusivist groups have already gained power). Economic downturn and its
consequences on ordinary life may make the population more reactionary, and thus
susceptible to propaganda. These factors may, and have on numerous occasions
throughout the century, combine to lay perfect groundwork for violent action against
ethnic, religious, or social minorities. While academics acknowledge that none of
these are sufficient factors within themselves, and examples exist of states with some
of these circumstances without genocide, it is important to recognise that they are
contributing factors to the undertaking of genocidal violence, and remembering this
not only allows better understanding of historical genocides but also better prevention
of contemporary or future attempts at genocide.
51
Made with FlippingBook HTML5