The State and Future of Genocide Studies and Prevention: An Overview and Analysis of Some Key Issues

In addition to providing a succinct history of the field of genocide studies, this article examines such issues as the critical need to address the toughest barriers to the prevention of and intervention against genocide (e.g., realpolitik, the lack of political will, and the reform of the UN Security Council, including the make-up and operation of the Permanent Five members [Great Britain, US, France, Russia, and China]); whether the Crimes Against Humanity Initiative will make a real difference vis-a`-vis the prevention of and intervention against genocide; the critical need for the field to be more inclusive by welcoming and nurturing a strong work- ing relationship with international relations and peace studies scholars; the need for genocide scholars to more closely monitor ‘‘hot spots’’ (areas where crimes against humanity and genocide are likely to erupt or have already erupted); and the activist/non-activist divide in the field of genocide studies