Organized Killing in Modern Society

This comprehensive introduction to the study of war and genocide presents a disturbing case that the potential for slaughter is deeply rooted in the modern world's political, economic, social, and ideological relations. Most accounts of war and genocide treat them as separate phenomena, but this book thoroughly examines the links between these two most inhuman of human activities. It shows that the generally legitimate business of war and the monstrous crime of genocide are closely related, not just because genocide usually occurs in the midst of war, but because genocide is a form of war directed against civilian populations. The book demonstrates how fine the line has been, in modern history, between "degenerate war" involving the mass destruction of civilian populations and "genocide," the deliberate destruction of civilian groups as such.

Written by one of the foremost sociological writers on war, War and Genocide has four main features: an original argument about the meaning and causes of mass killing in the modern world; a guide to the main intellectual resources – military, political, and social theories – necessary to understand war and genocide; summaries of the main historical episodes of slaughter, from the trenches of the First World War to the Nazi Holocaust and the killing fields of Cambodia, Bosnia, and Rwanda; and practical guides to further reading, courses, and websites.

This book examines war and genocide together with their opposites, peace and justice. It looks at them from the standpoint of victims as well as perpetrators, making it an important read for anyone wanting to understand and overcome the continuing salience of destructive forces in modern society. The book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the complex relationship between war and genocide, highlighting the underlying factors that contribute to these horrific phenomena.

Throughout the text, the author presents a compelling argument that the potential for mass killings is deeply embedded within the political, economic, social, and ideological structures of the modern world. By exploring the intellectual resources necessary to understand war and genocide, the book equips readers with the tools to grapple with these challenging and disturbing topics.

The summaries of historical episodes of slaughter, ranging from the First World War to more recent atrocities, serve to illustrate the book's key points and provide a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of these human tragedies. The practical guides to further reading, courses, and websites enhance the book's value as a comprehensive resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of war and genocide.

Overall, War and Genocide is an important and thought-provoking work that encourages readers to examine the complex relationship between these two most inhuman of human activities. By looking at them from the perspectives of both victims and perpetrators, the book offers a nuanced and insightful perspective on the continuing salience of destructive forces in modern society and the importance of striving for peace and justice.

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