Can previous genocides create a foundation for future research in early warning systems? : A case study of Rwanda and Bosnia and Herzegovina

In 1993 one of the most extensive genocides took place in Europe, the holocaust. As a result the United Nations (UN) created a convention in order to prosecute and prevent the crime of genocide. Although this convention was created in 1948, multiple genocides have occurred since. Two of these genocides are the one in Rwanda and the one in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In order to be able to prevent genocide in the future there is a need for further research on early warnings and how a genocide can be prevented. This research have compared two cases of genocide with each other, primarily focusing on the period of time prior to the genocide in order to identify indicators of genocide. By comparing the two cases in a comparative case study the aim of the research was to identify indicators that the two cases have in common in order to create more knowledge about genocide and its early warnings. The research was based on two theories, Johan Galtung's theory of conflict and his theory of violence which have been used when analyzing the results. The findings showed that there are multiple indicators that took place in both Rwanda and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The findings of this thesis may not by itself state any causality but can be used to create a base for future research in preventing genocide. The research also indicates that Johan Galtung's theory of conflict and violence may be used when discussing the prevention and early warnings of genocide.