Path to Genocide in Rwanda: Security, Opportunity, and Authority in an Ethnocratic State

The Path to Genocide in Rwanda is a book that evaluates the theories behind the genocide and why so many Rwandans participated in it, based on extensive field data and interviews with over three hundred Rwandans. It offers new perspectives on the most troubling questions concerning the genocide and provides a broader engagement with key theoretical debates in the study of genocides and ethnic conflict.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 11 March 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The shocking events of Rwanda's genocide in 1994 have left an indelible mark on the global conscience. The Path to Genocide in Rwanda, a comprehensive and rigorous analysis, combines extensive field data with the best available evidence to evaluate the various theories behind this tragic event and provide a comprehensive explanation of how and why it occurred. Through extensive interviews with over three hundred Rwandans, Omar Shahabudin McDoom delves into the experiences of those who participated in the violence and those who did not. He compares communities that experienced early violence with those where it began later, as well as communities with limited violence to those with widespread atrocities.

McDoom's findings offer fresh perspectives on some of the most challenging questions surrounding the genocide, while also engaging with key theoretical debates in the study of genocides and ethnic conflict. The book sheds light on the complex factors that contributed to the genocide, including historical, social, and political factors, as well as the role of individuals and groups in perpetrating and facilitating the violence.

One of the key strengths of The Path to Genocide in Rwanda is its systematic approach to comparing and contrasting different communities and their experiences. McDoom carefully analyzes the factors that led to the escalation of violence, including the role of political leaders, ethnic tensions, and social divisions. He also explores the psychological and cultural factors that influenced individuals' decisions to participate in the genocide, including the perception of threat, the desire for power and control, and the belief in ethnic superiority.

The book also provides a broader engagement with key theoretical debates in the study of genocides and ethnic conflict. McDoom discusses the concept of ethnic cleansing, the role of social networks in perpetuating violence, and the challenges of achieving justice and reconciliation in post-genocide societies. He draws on insights from various disciplines, including history, sociology, psychology, and political science, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the genocide and its aftermath.

Overall, The Path to Genocide in Rwanda is a valuable contribution to the study of genocide and ethnic conflict. It offers a rigorous and comprehensive analysis of the events leading up to the genocide and provides new insights into the factors that contributed to its occurrence. Through its systematic approach and engagement with key theoretical debates, the book contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics that drive genocide and the challenges of achieving peace and justice in post-genocide societies.

Weight: 760g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108491464