He stated, “Analysing a developing situation involves sifting through the events and ignoring the peculiarities, which means these peculiarities are sometimes missed.” He also commented on the fact that states are afraid of conflicts being termed ‘genocide’ because it means they have to get involved, as was the case with Rwanda. He added that educators “have to tackle self-images of people and societies, and whether these are right or wrong,” so they fully realise that genocide can happen anywhere.
In response to Dr Cywiński’s question, Ms Cave stated that we must think about the purpose of such comparisons. Looking at past events to judge emerging patterns can be useful, “but it should not be about political point-scoring.”
Dr. Wells mentioned the Eight Stages of Genocide created by Gregory Stanton, directly designed for comparisons to be made. Seeing the bigger picture of elements such as classification, dehumanisation, organisation and extermination can be helpful, she argued, and can be seen across many genocides. Wells commented that one of the current challenges in challenging silence is the development of technology; whilst the Western world is benefitting from such elements, places like Asia and Africa are becoming more isolated, and whilst there might be help on an international level, there is none locally.
Compassion is one of the greatest human traits, but is it enough to prevent genocide?
Ms Cave believes that compassion is not enough: that “we need to move to action,” and this must be undertaken by groups rather than individuals. Compassion is a good place to start, but this must then translate to engagement and action. She said that, “We shouldn’t be so optimistic about what we know works and doesn’t work in terms of stopping genocide,” and that the types of intervention we use need to be examined carefully.
Professor Michman used the example of the Righteous Among the Nations to address the idea of compassion. Whilst the sacrifices these people made should be recognised, he highlighted the fact that many of them were antisemites; on the other hand, many liberal people did nothing to save Jews. Michman also discussed the idea that Auschwitz is “an icon for ultimate evil,” yet we do not necessarily know what ultimate evil is, and there may yet be “something more ultimate than Auschwitz” in the future of which we must be aware.
Dr Wells commented that there should be “more social safety nets” in society to stop people feeling their only way to feel valued is, for example, by joining far-right, extremist groups. For instance, she stated, many radical Islamists turn to such extremism because they are discriminated against and cannot find employment or social security. Societies need to put more in place to ensure this is not the result.
Questions were then invited from the audience. Topics discussed included the rise in Holocaust denial and antisemitism around the world, often encouraged by governments; the impact of climate change on genocide; and the type of language that should be used when educating young people about genocide and the contemporary world.