• One of the stages of genocide: dehumanization by propaganda. Here, the Jews in Nazi Germany
    are compared to sly foxes and the Tutsis in Rwanda are likened to rats by the Hutus.

    Left: Do not trust a fox in the meadow and no Jew on his oath! A reading book for all ages. Source: MHMC

    Right: Detail of the cover page of Kangura, a Rwandan propaganda magazine. August 1993.

A comparative understanding of genocide for learning and prevention

  • Exhibition United against genocide: Understand, question, prevent
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Exhibition United against genocide: Understand, question, prevent

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A comparative understanding of genocide for learning and prevention

Understanding genocide is one of the keys to prevention. Several researchers have discussed the similarities and differences of past genocides and have outlined some central causes which include:

  • History of past genocides
  • Minority group perceived as a threat
  • Context of war
  • Difficult socioeconomic situation
  • Totalitarian governance

Typical phases of genocide were also identified. , For example, Gregory H. Stanton set out eight stages and means of prevention.

A comparative understanding of past genocides reveals certain limitations and does not always account for the specific social, historical and political context of each event. Without considering these factors, our understanding of these events may be trivialized or oversimplified.