Modeling Genocide at the System and Agent Levels
Base Model Implementation
This model is implemented using NetLogo ( Version 5.3.1 ; Wilensky , 1999 ). Structuring an ABM requires clear definitions of the environment , agent attributes , and rules for interaction . Each is defined below .
Environment
As stated above , the environment of the model is a closed system in that there are no external forces in the simulation to which agents respond . All agents have both random initial positions and subsequent movement within the environment .
Agent Attributes
Agents are endowed with six attributes :
1 . Identity ( Group A or B ): To simulate identity-based conflict , agents are divided into two groups and have a corresponding Identity attribute . Two distinct groups represent the lowest level of societal division , making this the optimal starting point .
2 . Ideology ( dynamic , 0 – 1 , floatingpoint , random uniform initialization ): A higher Ideology level indicates that an agent has a more extreme and divisive view of agents from the opposing group . A review of genocide studies literature indicates that an ideological division of a society within the minds of its members is a necessary precursor to genocide . At initialization , the model does not specify an out-group or an in-group , and if all other attributes and environmental conditions are held equal , an agent ’ s Ideology setting simply simulates its perception of the other . No group starts with an advantage or a position of dominance .
3 . Influence ( static , 0 – 1 , floating-point , random uniform initialization ): In the model , the elite are simulated through the Influence attribute . According to the rule structure outlined below , an influential agent has a higher likelihood of affecting an increase in its neighboring agents Ideology levels . This is a highly simplified representation of the elite in a society , and the initial model gives all agents the same random chance of being an influential , and therefore elite , actor .
4 . Susceptibility ( static , 0 – 1 , floatingpoint , random uniform initialization ): This attribute determines to what degree an agent updates its Ideology in the presence of a more influential agent with the same Identity . Its random initialization allows a uniform distribution throughout the agent population , simulating the wide variety of personality differences possible in human societies .
5 . Threshold to Act ( static , 0 – 1 , floatingpoint , random uniform initialization ): The threshold attribute sets the level beyond which an agent acts against other agents in its vicinity with a different Identity . In the historical record , not all genocides have involved a high level of civilian participation . However , as discussed above , their compliance is necessary for the elite to further a genocidal agenda . In the model , acting against another agent can simulate active participation or mere compliance in the face of genocidal acts of others from the same identity group .
6 . Radius of Sight ( static , 1 – 50 patches , global setting ): In the environment , agents are located on patches , and agents of both groups have the same level of
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