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Alette Smeulers, "Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities: Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal?" (Routledge, 2023)

New Books in Psychology

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Understanding Mass Atrocities: The Psychology of Perpetrators

This chapter explores the journey of a law professor studying the motivations behind mass violence, shaped by personal historical connections. It examines the complex nature of perpetrators, distinguishing between ideologically driven 'fanatics' and psychologically troubled 'deranged' individuals. The discussion further highlights the influence of societal norms on individual behavior, illuminating how ordinary people can become complicit in heinous acts.

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