Genocide: A Comprehensive Introduction is the most wide-ranging textbook on genocide yet published. The book is designed as a text for upper-undergraduate and graduate students, as well as a primer for non-specialists and general readers interested in learning about one of humanity’s enduring blights.
Fully updated to reflect the latest thinking in this rapidly developing field, this unique book:
- Provides an introduction to genocide as both a historical phenomenon and an analytical-legal concept, including the concept of genocidal intent, and the dynamism and contingency of genocidal processes.
- Discusses the role of state-building, imperialism, war, and social revolution in fuelling genocide.
- Supplies a wide range of full-length case studies of genocides worldwide, each with a supplementary study.
- Explores perspectives on genocide from the social sciences, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science/international relations, and gender studies.
- Considers "The Future of Genocide," with attention to historical memory and genocide denial; initiatives for truth, justice, and redress; and strategies of intervention and prevention.
Highlights of the new edition include:
- Nigeria/Biafra as a "contested case" of genocide
- Extensive new material on the Kurds, Islamic State/ISIS, and the civil wars/genocide in Iraq and Syria.
- Conflict and atrocities in the world’s newest state, South Sudan.
- The role, activities, and constraints of the United Nations Office of Genocide Prevention.
- Many new testimonies from genocide victims, survivors, witnesses—and perpetrators.
- Dozens of new images, including a special photographic essay.
Written in clear and lively prose with over 240 illustrations and maps, Genocide: A Comprehensive Introduction remains the indispensable text for new generations of genocide study and scholarship.
An accompanying website (www.genocidetext.net) features a broad selection of supplementary materials, teaching aids, and Internet resources.
Biography
Adam Jones is Professor of Political Science at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Kelowna, Canada. His recent books include The Scourge of Genocide: Essays and Reflections (Routledge, 2012) and Gender Inclusive: Essays on Violence, Men, and Feminist International Relations (Routledge, 2009). He is also editor of the Genocide and Crimes against Humanity book series for Routledge.
‘This volume is the most detailed and comprehensive textbook in the field of genocide studies. Anyone who wants to learn about key cases and issues, past and present, needs to read it.’ - Alexander Hinton, Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights, Rutgers University, Newark, USA
Praise for the Previous Editions
'Adam Jones is among today's leading -- and most prolific -- scholars of genocide. Genocide: A Comprehensive Introduction is truly comprehensive, ranging from antiquity to numerous episodes that straddle the porous borders between "genocide" and "mere" crimes against humanity. The book also ventures to offer strong passages on the psychology of perpetrators; genocide denial; international law, and artistic representations. It is perfectly suited for classroom purposes, while challenging scholars with its numerous striking insights regarding gender and other issues.' - John Cox, Centre for Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Studies, University of North Carolina, USA
'With its interdisciplinary approach and bevy of case studies, Genocide: A Comprehensive Introduction will surely become the seminal text for students of genocide. Written in an engaging and conversational style, the book not only explores existing frameworks, but expands the boundaries of genocide studies with attention to issues such as gender and the future of genocide. Perhaps best of all, Jones educates and inspires the reader to become an active and responsible global citizen.' - Nicholas A. Robins, Duke University, USA
'This is the best introductory text available to students of genocide studies. Written in clear, elegant prose and supported by a wealth of authoritative sources, Genocide: A Comprehensive Introduction is likely to become the gold standard by which all subsequent introductions to this enormously important subject will be measured.' - Kenneth J. Campbell, Professor of Political Science, University of Delaware, USA
'Compassionate, searching, up-to-the minute and sometimes even electrifying in its prose, this is the book I will be particularly recommending to my university students of genocide.' - Mark Levene, University of Southampton, UK
'Based on immense scholarship, Genocide: A Comprehensive Introduction is much more than an indispensible text for students of this seemingly intractable phenomenon. With its global and interdisciplinary perspectives, it consistently advances our understanding of genocidal events on many fronts.' - A. Dirk Moses, University of Sydney, Australia and the European University Institute, Florence, Italy
'This wide-ranging inquest into the dynamics of genocidal violence stands as a major contribution to the dismal science of 'massacrology.' More than a collection of case studies, it offers a depth of critical insight and a richness of data seldom matched in comparative studies of genocide. Informed by a formidable erudition, and a deep personal sensitivity to the horrors that he describes, Adam Jones's splendid book is a milestone in the literature on mass crimes and genocide.' - Rene Lemarchand, Department of Political Science, University of Florida, USA
'The subtitle says it all: unique in the literature, this book provides a thorough, comprehensive introduction to the subject of genocide. Jones delivers a very readable, intellectually stimulating text. The overall perspective is interdisciplinary. Relevant research and insights from psychology, sociology, and anthropology are included; maps and illustrations complement many of the examples and case studies. …. Readers are encouraged as responsible citizens to consider their reactions to genocide. Summing Up: Essential. All readership levels.' - P. G. Conway, SUNY College at Oneonta, writing in Choice — Reviews Online
