A Biographical Encyclopedia of Contemporary Genocide

Book excerpt: This book documents the devastating effects of genocide in the world's most destructive human environments since the end of World War II and explores why such events still occur. A Biographical Encyclopedia of Contemporary Genocide: Portraits of Evil and Good is a unique study of humanity's most reprehensible actions. It documents genocides that have occurred after World War II—a period that was supposed to be the fulfillment of the promise "never again"—by providing biographies rather than extensive historical narratives. The entries describe the personal backgrounds; careers; and relationship to genocidal events, humanitarian actions, or international initiatives relevant to each person in the book. Beyond examining the genocidaires who played key roles in mass murder, individuals who contributed to efforts to stop genocide are also profiled. By adopting a biographical approach to post-World War II genocide, the author sheds light on why people behave the way they do toward their fellow human beings and provides vital insights into the extremes of human positivity and negativity that have characterized this period of history. Serving as a vital tool for scholars and students of genocide as well as compelling reading for general audiences, the book highlights individual human behaviors, motivations, backgrounds, and intentions that can form a platform from which to raise and discuss issues of morality and ethics in the modern world.