New Books in Sociology Adam Jones, "Sites of Genocide" (Routledge, 2022)
Nov 23, 2025
In a fascinating conversation, Adam Jones, a renowned political science professor at the University of British Columbia, dives into the complexities of genocide studies. He discusses the importance of visiting sites of trauma, revealing how these experiences enhance our understanding of mass violence. Adam also explores the intersection of gender in genocide, highlighting the role of male victims. He reflects on the field's evolution towards critical scholarship while connecting historical events to ongoing issues in Central Africa and indigenous struggles. A thought-provoking journey into a crucial subject!
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Confronting Murambi's Open Display
- Adam Jones describes visiting Murambi where exhumed, desiccated bodies remain on open display in schoolrooms at the memorial site.
- He recounts photographing the rooms with government permission and feeling the camera act as an emotional shield while confronting ethical questions.
Landscapes As Historical Evidence
- Visiting physical sites helps Adam Jones 'actualize' and understand genocides beyond documentary reconstruction.
- He argues landscapes and ruins can carry silenced histories that photographic documentation can reveal to later generations.
From Idealism To Critical Reflection
- Jones sees genocide studies moving from early idealism to a more skeptical, critical stance attentive to framing and politicization.
- He values the field's continued questing nature and its resilience amid global crises and rising critical scholarship.
