On the Nature of Genocidal Intent

By (author) Jason J. Campbell

Hardback - £88.00

Publication date:

04 October 2012

Length of book:

214 pages

Publisher

Lexington Books

ISBN-13: 9780739178461

Campbell offers a conceptual look into the nature of genocidal intent, systematically analyzing the conceptual and logical structures for genocidal intent, and discussing its theoretical foundations. The analysis offers particular insight into the process of operationalizing genocide and mass extermination. The investigation includes discussion of the roles orchestrators play and the systematic development of a genocidal strategy, which requires the intent to purge pre-selected demographic identifiers from the population. Cambell also analyzes in detail the dynamic process of generational conflict, wherein former perpetrators become victims and victims become perpetrators.

This subtle book advances our understanding of genocidal intent in two ways: by surveying various ways in which scholars believe that genocidal intent is manifested during episodes of mass killing or other destructive acts, and by proposing an account of genocidal intent as a breach of intersubjective understanding and empathy during campaigns to preserve political power or national security within a state.