Date of Award

Spring 2011

Thesis Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Liberal Studies

Advisor(s)

Dr. Sharon Carnahan

Abstract

This paper will explore commonalities and processes that led to genocide in the twentieth century. Information from four notable genocides will be used to determine the feasibility of genocide continuing unabated into the twenty first century. Armenian, Holocaust, Cambodian and Rwandan genocides have similar qualities establishing a “recipe” for others to use as a template or as a predictor of the next genocide. This thesis will use psychological theory, case studies and historical data to formulate reasons why individuals can be easily persuaded to take on the role as perpetrator. Has the international community done enough to either prevent or identify potential genocides? If not, where are the likely hotspots that genocide will prosper in the future? The review concludes with this; without an international paradigm shift, genocide will flourish in the twenty first century.

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