Genocide ─ A Comprehensive Introduction

The third edition follows relatively closely the template established by the successful first two editions. Reflecting 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. It discusses the role of state-building, imperialism, war, and social revolution in fuelling genocide and supplies a wide range of full-length case studies of genocides worldwide, each with a supplementary study. The book also explores perspectives on genocide from the social sciences and 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:

• Dozens of new images, including a special photographic essay, as well as maps, memorials, engravings, and artworks – the richest collection of genocide-related imagery in a single book.

• Box-texts on "Physical, Biological, and Cultural Genocide" and "Whatever Happened to Political Groups?" (Chapter 1)

• Nigeria/Biafra as a "contested case" of genocide (Chapter 1)

• Genocide, empire, and modernity in Europe: the "Bloodlands" and "Rimlands" literature (Chapter 2)

• Extensive new material on the Kurds and civil wars/genocide in Iraq and Syria (Chapter 4)

• "Stalin: Return from the Crypt" – Stalinist dictatorship in Russian popular memory, including a visit to the despot's hometown (Chapter 5)

• The Jewish Holocaust: new debates and controversies (Chapter 6)

• Indonesia in 1965-66 as a case of genocide (Chapter 7)

• Box-text on the "Blood Telegram" sent by US consular staff during the Bangladeshi genocide (Chapter 8)

• Extensive new material on D.R. Congo and Burundi

• The world’s newest state, South Sudan, as a case of genocide and/or potential genocide (Chapter 9)

• "Gendercide" against LGBT populations worldwide (Chapter 13)

• Canada’s indigenous people and the Truth and Reconciliation process (Chapter 14)

• Nuremberg prosecutor Benjamin Ferencz and the tribunal’s legacy (Chapter 15)

• The role, activities, and constraints of the United Nations Office of Genocide Prevention (OSAPG) (Chapter 16)

• "Is Humanity Becoming Less Genocidal?" – the implications for genocide studies of Steven Pinker’s The Better Angels of Our Nature

• Remote-sensing technologies and George Clooney’s anti-genocide satellite project (Chapter 16)

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

Written in clear and lively prose, liberally sprinkled with over 100 illustrations, and including personal testimonies from genocide survivors, witnesses, and perpetrators,Genocide: A Comprehensive Introduction is the indispensable text of the new generation of genocide scholarship. An accompanying website (www.genocidetext.net) features a broad selection of supplementary materials, teaching aids, and Internet resources.

Adam Jones, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Kelowna, Canada. His recent books includeThe Scourge of Genocide: Essays and Reflections (Routledge, 2012) and Gender Inclusive: Essays on Violence, Men, and Feminist International Relations (Routledge, 2009). He is also editor of the Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity book series for Routledge.