The hybrid term genocide was modeled by Raphael Lemkin and used for the first time in his book “Axis Rule in Occupied Europe: Laws of Occupation - Analysis of Government - Proposals for Redress” (1944) and sought to describe the cruelties and mass murdering committed by the Nazis in the Second World War. Lemkin, a Polish lawyer who himself was persecuted by the Nazi system, thereby created “a new term and a new conception for […] the destruction of a nation or of an ethnic group” (Lemkin, 1944, p. 79). A term that henceforward was used in order to depict the “crime of crimes” (Schabas, 2008a, p. 4), crimes that could not have been named before.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Analytical framework
- 2.1. The CNN effect
- 2.2. The policy-media interaction model
- 3. Historical analysis
- 3.1. The drafting of the Convention
- 4. The failures of the Genocide Convention
- 4.1. Genocide in Rwanda
- 4.2. Genocide in Darfur
- 5. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper investigates the effectiveness of the UN Genocide Convention (CPPCG) in preventing and punishing genocide. It examines whether the criticism of the UN's inaction in cases like Rwanda and Darfur is justified. The analysis will explore the drafting process of the CPPCG, the reasons for its limited scope (e.g., exclusion of political groups), and the influence of external stakeholders, particularly the United States, on the UN's response to genocide.
- The effectiveness of the UN Genocide Convention.
- The UN's response to genocide in Rwanda and Darfur.
- The influence of external stakeholders on UN actions.
- The limitations of the CPPCG's definition of genocide.
- The historical context of the CPPCG's creation.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context for the paper by defining genocide and tracing its historical understanding. It introduces Raphael Lemkin's crucial role in coining the term and emphasizes the post-World War II impetus for establishing a legally binding definition to prevent future atrocities. The chapter highlights the UN's efforts leading to the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (CPPCG) in 1948 and notes initial criticisms of its scope and the absence of a monitoring mechanism. The introduction sets the stage for the paper's central question: whether the CPPCG has been an "empty promise," failing to prevent genocides despite its ambitious goals. The chapter ends by previewing the paper's analysis of the CPPCG's effectiveness in light of the Rwandan and Darfur genocides, intending to assess the UN's actions and the role of other influential actors.
2. Analytical framework: This chapter lays out the theoretical models used to analyze the interaction between media, policy, and the UN's response to genocide. It introduces the CNN effect, exploring how media coverage can influence policy decisions, and the policy-media interaction model, providing a framework for understanding how these forces interact to shape responses to international crises. These models will provide a lens through which to examine the UN's responses in Rwanda and Darfur. By understanding the complexities of these interactions, the paper aims to offer a more nuanced evaluation of the UN's actions (or inaction) regarding genocide.
3. Historical analysis: This chapter delves into the historical context surrounding the creation of the CPPCG. It examines the drafting process within the UN, highlighting the negotiations, compromises, and political considerations that shaped the final text. This section will likely address the reasons behind the exclusion of certain acts (like the persecution of political groups) from the definition of genocide, and it will explain the reasons for the limitations and potential shortcomings of the Convention's original formulation. By tracing this history, the chapter aims to provide a deeper understanding of the CPPCG's strengths and weaknesses, setting the stage for the evaluation of its subsequent application.
4. The failures of the Genocide Convention: This chapter analyzes the UN's response to the genocides in Rwanda and Darfur. It will examine the events, the UN's actions (or lack thereof), and the contributing factors leading to the failure to prevent or effectively respond to these atrocities. This part will likely discuss the criticisms leveled against the UN for its reactive rather than proactive approach and will delve into the political and logistical challenges the organization faced in both situations. The analysis might explore the reasons for the delayed interventions and insufficient responses, illustrating how the Convention’s limitations impacted the effectiveness of international efforts. This detailed examination seeks to assess the accuracy of the accusation that the CPPCG has been an "empty promise."
Keywords
Genocide, UN Genocide Convention, Rwanda, Darfur, CNN effect, policy-media interaction, international relations, human rights, prevention, punishment, international criminal justice, UN Security Council, intervention, inaction.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of the UN Genocide Convention
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper investigates the effectiveness of the UN Genocide Convention (CPPCG) in preventing and punishing genocide. It specifically examines the UN's response (or lack thereof) to the genocides in Rwanda and Darfur, analyzing whether criticisms of UN inaction are justified.
What analytical frameworks are used in the paper?
The paper employs two key analytical frameworks: the CNN effect (examining media influence on policy decisions) and a policy-media interaction model (understanding the interplay between media, policy, and responses to international crises). These frameworks are used to analyze the UN's responses in Rwanda and Darfur.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the effectiveness of the UN Genocide Convention, the UN's response to genocide in Rwanda and Darfur, the influence of external stakeholders on UN actions, the limitations of the CPPCG's definition of genocide, and the historical context of the Convention's creation.
What historical aspects are covered in the paper?
The paper delves into the historical context of the CPPCG's creation, examining the drafting process within the UN, the negotiations and compromises involved, and the political considerations that shaped the final text. It explores the reasons for the exclusion of certain acts from the definition of genocide and the limitations of the Convention's original formulation.
How does the paper address the failures of the Genocide Convention?
The paper analyzes the UN's response (or lack thereof) to the genocides in Rwanda and Darfur, examining the events, the UN's actions, and the contributing factors to the failure to prevent or effectively respond to these atrocities. It discusses criticisms of the UN's reactive approach and explores the political and logistical challenges faced.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into five chapters: an introduction establishing context and defining the central research question; an analytical framework chapter outlining the theoretical models; a historical analysis chapter focusing on the CPPCG's creation; a chapter analyzing the UN's failures in Rwanda and Darfur; and a concluding chapter.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include: Genocide, UN Genocide Convention, Rwanda, Darfur, CNN effect, policy-media interaction, international relations, human rights, prevention, punishment, international criminal justice, UN Security Council, intervention, inaction.
What is the overall conclusion of the paper (as previewed)?
The paper aims to assess whether the CPPCG has been an "empty promise," failing to prevent genocides despite its ambitious goals. The analysis of the UN's actions and the role of other influential actors in the Rwandan and Darfur genocides will form the basis of this evaluation.
- Quote paper
- Tobias Henze (Author), 2011, The UN genocide convention , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/208947
