The Stages of Genocide

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The Stages of Genocide

• Eight Stages
• Knowing how it can happen will help us become
  able to stop it from happening

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Genocide

• Genocide is a process that develops in eight
  stages that are predictable but not identical.
• At each stage, preventative measures can stop it.
• While there is a progression between stages it is
  a fluid process and many of the early stages
  continue throughout

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1. Classification

• All cultures have categories to distinguish
  people into groups.
• Bipolar societies (that lack a great mix of
  categories) is at a higher risk.
• The main preventative measure at this stage is to
  develop institutions that transcend group
  divisions. The search for common ground is a
  vital early prevention technique.

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2. Symbolization

• Giving names or symbols to the classifications or
  groups.
• Classification and symbolization are often seen
  in cultures and do not automatically lead to
  genocide unless they lead to the next stage gt
  dehumanization.
• A way to combat symbolization is to speak up when
  facing hate symbols or speech. Voicing your
  disapproval of the use of these terms can help
  limit their impact.

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3. Dehumanization

• One group denies the humanity of the other group.
• Members are equated with animals, vermin,
  insects, or diseases
• At this stage hate propaganda is used to vilify
  the victim group
• Prevention punishing hate crimes and speaking
  against hate propaganda

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4. Organization

• Genocide is always organized
• Plans (made by the state or group) are made to
  carry out the genocidal killings
• At this stage foreign aid greatly helps stop the
  momentum an arms embargo or denying visas for
  foreign travel can help prevent the progression
  to the next stage

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5. Polarization

• Extremists drive the groups apart
• Propaganda further separates groups
• Laws will begin to forbid interactions between
  groups (ex. Intermarriage)
• Extremists target and silence the moderates
• Prevention protecting the moderates (and the
  moderates keep their voice) and preventing the
  extremists from gaining power is key

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6. Preparation

• Victims are identified and separated
• Death lists are written
• Victims are usually further separated (into
  ghettos, concentration camps, or a confined
  region)
• Prevention At this stage a Genocide Alert must
  be called and foreign aid must be provided armed
  international intervention should be prepared or
  aid in self-defense

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7. Extermination

• If this stage begins the mass killing quickly
  creates a chaotic state of fear and violence
• Prevention Only rapid armed intervention can end
  the genocide. Providing safe areas for victims is
  also essential.
• The law of humanitarian intervention should
  transcend the interests of state sovereignty

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8. Denial

• This 8th stage follows a genocide.
• The perpetrators of genocide try to cover up
  evidence and intimidate the witnesses
• They deny they committed any crimes and often
  place blame on the victim
• They block investigations and stay in power until
  they are forced out or forced to flee
• The ICC has been created to bring some justice in
  the aftermath of genocide