The United Nations Genocide Convention: An Introduction

by Samuel Totten, Henry C. Theriault

Overview

It is virtually impossible to understand the phenomenon of genocide without a clear understanding of the complexities of the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (UNCG). This brief but cogent book provides an introduction to the unique wording, legal terminology, and key components of the convention, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.

Providing clarity on the distinctions between genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and ethnic cleansing, this book is designed to be an entry into further study of genocide in its legal, historical, political, and philosophical dimensions. Key terms, such as intent and motive, are explained, case studies are included, and a detailed bibliography at the conclusion of the book offers suggested avenues for more advanced study of the UNCG.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781487533229
Publisher:	University of Toronto Press
Publication date:	11/20/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	914 KB

About the Author

Samuel Totten is a scholar of genocide studies and professor emeritus at the University of Arkansas.

Henry Theriault is currently professor and chair of the Philosophy Department at Worcester State University.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Raphael Lemkin: The Man Who Coined the Term “Genocide” and His Indefatigable Effort in the Development and Ratification of the UNCG

2. An Overview of the UNCG: An Analysis of Each Article

3. The Complexities Inherent in the UNCG

4. “Genocide” Distinguished from Other Forms of Major Human Rights Violations: Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes, and Ethnic Cleansing

5. Applications of the UNCG in Representative Cases of Genocide at the ICTR and ICTY

Conclusion

What People are Saying About This

Andrew I. Port

"This book is incredibly well written and thus accessible for students, but without losing any analytical rigor. Because of my current research, I have recently read a great deal on Lemkin, who coined the term genocide, and can say that the introductory chapter is a model of pithiness combined with academic rigor. The other chapters — especially the article-by-article analysis of the Convention itself — are incredibly well done. I am sure my students will learn a great deal from this careful, balanced study, which covers an impressive amount of information, and does so well!"

Kimberley Ducey

"I can scarcely believe all that this text has to offer! I know of no text on the market today that considers key distinctions between genocide and other forms of mass violence and human rights violations as well as the authors do here. This text encourages scholars and teachers to focus on genocides, including and beyond the Holocaust, and includes an exemplary supplementary text for courses on genocide, human rights, and international law, which will undoubtedly help students confront the intricacies and abstruseness of the United Nations Convention."

William A. Schabas

"The international law of genocide can be intimidating to non-specialists. This user-friendly manual provides a very effective and useful entry point into the subject."

Editorial Reviews

"Totten and Theriault absolutely provide us with an accessible and content-rich textbook."

—Haoliang Zhang, Changzhou University, Ethnic and Racial Studies

"The international law of genocide can be intimidating to non-specialists. This user-friendly manual provides a very effective and useful entry point into the subject."

—William A. Schabas, School of Law, Middlesex University

"I can scarcely believe all that this text has to offer! I know of no text on the market today that considers key distinctions between genocide and other forms of mass violence and human rights violations as well as the authors do here. This text encourages scholars and teachers to focus on genocides, including and beyond the Holocaust, and includes an exemplary supplementary text for courses on genocide, human rights, and international law, which will undoubtedly help students confront the intricacies and abstruseness of the United Nations Convention."

—Kimberley Ducey, University of Winnipeg
"This book is incredibly well written and thus accessible for students, but without losing any analytical rigor. Because of my current research, I have recently read a great deal on Lemkin, who coined the term genocide, and can say that the introductory chapter is a model of pithiness combined with academic rigor. The other chapters – especially the article-by-article analysis of the Convention itself – are incredibly well done. I am sure my students will learn a great deal from this careful, balanced study, which covers an impressive amount of information, and does so well!"—Andrew I. Port, Wayne State University

From the Publisher

"Totten and Theriault absolutely provide us with an accessible and content-rich textbook."

Ethnic and Racial Studies - Haoliang Zhang