Disrupting Pathways to Genocide ─ The Process of Ideological Radicalisation

As a key element of power in the twentieth century, the role of ideology in genocidal states has been under-acknowledged, particularly in comparative studies, within the context of multi-causal analysis. The key distinctive elements in this work revolve around tracing ideological evolution in the years of radicalisation prior to and in the earliest years of genocidal aggression. Murray examines the process of ideological evolution in the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust and Serbian aggression against Bosniaks during the break up of Yugoslavia, as well as during atrocities in Rwanda, Cambodia and Serbia. Making use of theories of cumulative radicalisation, she looks at key themes important in nationalist movements: extreme otherness, the nation and homeland.

In showing that ideology is both a form of structure and of agency, Murray provides a unique insight into how institutions participate in radicalising states. She discusses the complexities of the thematic cumulative radicalisation of ideology, presenting new guidelines that will aid attempts to identify states at various stages of the radicalisation process and advise on the prevention of future atrocities.

Dr Elisabeth Hope Murray is an Assistant Professor of Security Studies and International Affairs at Embry-Riddle University in Daytona Beach, Florida, USA. She has held previous research posts at the University of Hamburg in Germany, and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, and she is on the executive board of the International Network of Genocide Scholars.