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The 'Desk Killers' of History, with Dan Gretton and Ros Urwin

Intelligence Squared

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The Silent Architects of Atrocity

This chapter explores the chilling concept of 'desk killers,' individuals who facilitate violence and atrocities from a distance through bureaucratic roles. The discussion reflects on historical and contemporary examples of moral complicity, particularly during the Holocaust, focusing on the language and mentality that allow such individuals to distance themselves from their actions. Through examining psychological motivations and societal influences, the chapter raises profound questions about personal responsibility in the face of systemic injustices.

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