The Magnitude of Genocide

by Colin Tatz, Winton Higgins

Overview

This book defines genocide, distinguishing it from mass murder, war crimes, and other atrocities; allows readers to grasp the magnitude of the crime of genocide across time and throughout human civilization; and facilitates an understanding of new and potential cases of genocide as they occur.

• Illustrates the myriad problems inherent in genocide prevention and in the punishment of perpetrators

• Analyzes why the nation-states that have the capacity to prevent or intervene against a genocide typically avoid doing so

• Discusses the nature of and reasons underlying genocide denial

• Examines the different kinds and scales of the impact of genocide on victim groups and on the perpetrators

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440831614
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	03/14/2016
Series:	Praeger Security International
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	296
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Colin Tatz is visiting professor of politics and international relations at the Australian National University and founding director of the Australian Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies in Sydney.

Winton Higgins is visiting fellow at the University of Technology Sydney and a director of the Australian Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

What People are Saying About This

Prof. Yehuda Bauer

"It is a distinct pleasure for me to warmly recommend Magnitude of Genocide to readers interested in fighting mass atrocity crimes—not only students and academic teachers, but also people in civil society and political decision makers who are looking for ways and means to prevent the massive, scandalous, loss of lives that humanity has witnessed for times immemorial.It is an effort to deal with genocide as such, that is with the whole range of human activities that are designed to murder other humans. Special, but not exclusive, attention is given to the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust, and of course the Australian case. Common traits are described and analyzed, as well as specific conditions in a number of cases. Based on an impressive variety of sources, from a number of disciplines, this volume by Tatz and Higgins is a 'must read.'"

Ben Kiernan

"The Magnitude of Genocide is a unique, wide-ranging, thoughtful, revealing, important, and up-to-date study of a pressing subject. It is well-researched, distills decades of experience and expertise, and addresses many of the key issues involved in confronting the scourge of genocide."

Geoffrey Robertson QC

"This is a finely written, comprehensive, and authoritative account of the worst of all crimes. Those with genocidal intent still stalk the world today, playing for political purposes with the fire of ethnic and religious fervor, twisting human nature so that it can contemplate—and commit—a crime against humanity. This book is necessary reading on the way to a better world."

Robert Melson

"This is a landmark comparative study of contemporary genocide, including the Holocaust. Touching on issues of causality, rescue, denial, punishment, prediction, and prevention, it is wide-ranging in its scope and written with directness and clarity."

Israel W. Charny

"The Magnitude of Genocide is an amazingly readable intellectual tour de force. Rarely have I seen the dread topic of genocide addressed so humanely and interestingly. Tatz and Higgins also do not stop at the past or vague portents of the future, and they dare to take on courageously Islamic fundamentalism, and even the dangers of undue free speech, such as on Internet, as enabling hate speech and the detonation of genocidal explosions. Strangely, this is even a book to enjoy."

Peter Balakian

"The Magnitude of Genocide is a wide ranging, lucid exploration of genocide as modern and ancient practice. Tatz's and Higgins's global engagement with the contemporary crises surrounding genocide and mass-killing provides an important perspective on the future of our species."

Paul R. Bartrop

"This is a marvelous study which is not afraid to ask the Big Questions relating to genocide in the modern world. Tatz and Higgins have not held back from painting on a large canvas with very wide brushstrokes; the result is a work in which a plethora of fine details combine to depict an image which is, sadly, one of the defining characteristics of modern society. This is work which cries out to be read."

Dr Mark Levene

"The brave work represents a lifetime's achievement in dissecting and analysing the nature of genocide."

Editorial Reviews

The Magnitude of Genocide is a valuable comparative study. The wide-ranging subject matter and strong contemporary relevance of the volume make it a compelling read. Tatz and Higgins have presented their arguments in engaging and accessible prose, creating a volume with great appeal for scholars, students, and interested members of the public alike. Highly recommended.” —Plus61J

From the Publisher