The United States and Genocide: (Re)Defining the Relationship

In: Routledge Studies in Genocide and Crimes against Humanity

Abstract

"There exists a dominant narrative that essentially defines the United Statesâ#x80;#x99; relationship with genocide through what the U.S. has failed to do to stop or prevent genocide, rather than through how its actions have contributed to the commission of genocide. This narrative acts to conceal the true nature of the United Statesâ#x80;#x99; relationship with many of the governments that have committed genocide since the Holocaust, as well as the United Statesâ#x80;#x99; own actions. In response, this book challenges the dominant narrative through a comprehensive analysis of the United Statesâ#x80;#x99; relationship with genocide. The analysis is situated within the broader genocide studies literature, while emphasizing the role of state responsibility for the commission of genocide and the crimeâ#x80;#x99;s ancillary acts. The book addresses how a culture of impunity contributes to the resiliency of the dominant narrative in the face of considerable evidence that challenges it. Bachmanâ#x80;#x99;s narrative presents a far darker relationship between the United States and genocide, one that has developed from the start of the Genocide Conventionâ#x80;#x99;s negotiations and has extended all the way to present day, as can be seen in the relationships the U.S. maintains with potentially genocidal regimes, from Saudi Arabia to Myanmar.This book will be of interest to scholars, postgraduates, and students of genocide studies, U.S. foreign policy, and human rights. A secondary readership may be found in those who study international law and international relations."--Provided by publisher.