Logics of Genocide: The Structures of Violence and the Contemporary World

This book explores the connection between the formal structure of agency and the formal structure of genocide, using philosophical approaches to examine the idea of genocidal violence as a structural element in the world. It argues that mechanisms or structures in nation-states can produce citizens more susceptible to genocidal projects and that other genocidal structures of human society spill beyond historically limited episodes. The chapters address topics such as birth citizenship, contemporary mass incarceration, anti-black racism, and late capitalism, and will be of interest to scholars and advanced students in philosophy, critical theory, genocide studies, Holocaust and Jewish studies, history, and anthropology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate relationship between the formal structure of agency and the formal structure of genocide, employing a philosophical lens to explore the concept of genocidal violence as a fundamental structural element in the world. The contributors employ various philosophical approaches to investigate the notion that mechanisms or structures within nation-states can produce certain types of national citizens who are more susceptible to genocidal projects.

One compelling argument within philosophy suggests that in order to be the subjects of our own lives, we must constitute ourselves specifically as national subjects and organize ourselves into nation-states. This perspective emphasizes the importance of national identity and the collective responsibility that comes with being part of a nation-state. Moreover, there are other genocidal structures of human society that extend beyond historically limited episodes. The chapters in this volume address the significance of recognizing these broader structures, both morally, ethically, and politically.

The contributors touch on a range of topics, including birthright citizenship, contemporary mass incarceration, anti-black racism, and late capitalism. These topics serve as focal points for examining the ways in which the formal structure of agency intersects with genocidal structures, highlighting the moral and ethical implications of such intersections.

Logics of Genocide will appeal to scholars and advanced students engaged in philosophy, critical theory, genocide studies, Holocaust and Jewish studies, history, and anthropology. The book offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on the complexities of genocidal violence and its implications for our understanding of human society and the world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367521141