Towards a general theory of genocide: An examination of Rwanda, 1994

The crime of genocide has occurred throughout history and throughout the world. Genocide scholars have concentrated on defining genocide and categorizing genocide into typologies. The purpose of this study was to create a general theory of genocide using conflict theories from sociology and control theories from criminology to explain genocide. I developed five hypotheses which I explored first against evidence from the Rwandan genocide and then briefly against evidence from three other genocides: the Rape of Nanking, the Holocaust, and Srebrenica. I found parallels among all four genocides. I suggest that policy-makers utilize the general principles of my hypotheses to create a “red flag” warning system aimed at preventing genocide.