Genocide: A Comprehensive Introduction

Genocide: A Comprehensive Introduction is the most wide-ranging textbook on genocide yet published. The book is designed as a text for upper-undergraduate and graduate students, as well as a primer for non-specialists and general readers interested in learning about one of humanity’s enduring blights.

Fully updated to reflect the latest thinking in this rapidly developing field, this unique book:

• Provides an introduction to genocide as both a historical phenomenon and an analytical-legal concept, including the concept of genocidal intent, and the dynamism and contingency of genocidal processes.


• Discusses the role of state-building, imperialism, war, and social revolution in fuelling genocide.


• Supplies a wide range of full-length case studies of genocides worldwide, each with a supplementary study.


• Explores perspectives on genocide from the social sciences, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science/international relations, and gender studies.


• Considers "The Future of Genocide," with attention to historical memory and genocide denial; initiatives for truth, justice, and redress; and strategies of intervention and prevention.

Highlights of the new edition include:

• Nigeria/Biafra as a "contested case" of genocide


• Extensive new material on the Kurds, Islamic State/ISIS, and the civil wars/genocide in Iraq and Syria.


• Conflict and atrocities in the world’s newest state, South Sudan.


• The role, activities, and constraints of the United Nations Office of Genocide Prevention.


• Many new testimonies from genocide victims, survivors, witnesses—and perpetrators.


• Dozens of new images, including a special photographic essay.

Written in clear and lively prose with over 240 illustrations and maps, Genocide: A Comprehensive Introduction remains the indispensable text for new generations of genocide study and scholarship.

An accompanying website (www.genocidetext.net) features a broad selection of supplementary materials, teaching aids, and Internet resources.