Policy and Complex Systems - Volume 3 Number 2 - Fall 2017
Modeling Genocide at the System and Agent Levels
Elizabeth M . von Briesen , N . Gizem Bacaksizlar , Mirsad Hadzikadic A
Abstract
This research works to bridge the gap between the knowledge of social scientists in the field of genocide studies and that of computational experts . A thorough system-level description of the problem informs the implementation of an agent-based model ( ABM ) that simulates local interactions in a society composed of two identity groups . This model explores how dynamics between agents with different identities , ideology , influence , susceptibility , and threshold to act against those of a different group lead to the emergence of genocide . Early results indicate the model ’ s usefulness in revealing the underlying factors and thresholds of importance . Next , this study presents steps toward the implementation of a formal system dynamics model , and describes how its results may complement those of the ABM , leading to more comprehensive and effective policy recommendations . Given further refinement , this research has the potential to produce a useable , generic model for social scientists and genocide researchers .
Keywords : genocide , system dynamics , agent-based modeling , complex systems
A
Complex Systems Institute , University of North Carolina at Charlotte
31 doi : 10.18278 / jpcs . 3.2.3