

Alette Smeulers, "Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities: Terribly and Terrifyingly Normal?" (Routledge, 2023)
Jan 12, 2025
In this discussion featuring Alette Smeulers, a law professor specializing in mass violence, the complexities of perpetrators are unraveled. Smeulers examines the motivations behind mass atrocities, distinguishing between ideological 'fanatics' and psychologically troubled individuals. The conversation delves into personal backgrounds influencing violent behavior, while exploring concepts like compromised perpetrators and the psychological effects of violence. Smeulers emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics for accountability and prevention in both society and education.
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Intro
00:00 • 2min
Understanding Mass Atrocities: The Psychology of Perpetrators
01:52 • 14min
Understanding Perpetrator Motivations: A Complex Typology
15:50 • 5min
The Nuances of Profit in Times of Collective Violence
21:02 • 2min
The Dilemma of Compromised Perpetrators
22:54 • 6min
The Psychology of Violence: Understanding Perpetrators
28:35 • 13min
Cultivating Accountability in Education and Society
41:38 • 9min