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New Books Network
Susan A. Brewer, "The Best Land: Four Hundred Years of Love and Betrayal on Oneida Territory" (Three Hills, 2024)
Jan 12, 2025
Alette Smeulers, a law professor specializing in mass violence, delves into the psyche of perpetrators in this thought-provoking discussion. She dissects the complex motivations behind mass atrocities, revealing how ordinary individuals can become complicit through obedience and societal pressures. Exploring the nuances of conflict-driven violence, Smeulers shares gripping case studies that highlight moral decay amidst turmoil. The conversation also addresses the ethical dilemmas survivors face and the evolution of perpetrators, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding to prevent future atrocities.
54:56
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Quick takeaways
- Perpetrators of mass atrocities often come from ordinary backgrounds, emphasizing the need to understand varied motivations behind such extreme behaviors.
- Recognizing the role of group dynamics and the influence of societal pressures is crucial for preventing individuals from conforming to harmful norms.
Deep dives
Understanding Perpetrators of Mass Atrocities
The study of mass atrocities reveals that perpetrators often emerge from ordinary backgrounds, challenging the perception that they are inherently evil individuals. Alette Smolers emphasizes that motivations for such actions can vary greatly; some individuals act out of obedience, others are driven by ideology, and some commit atrocities for personal gain. This nuanced understanding highlights the importance of recognizing a spectrum of perpetrator types rather than oversimplifying the issue. By defining mass atrocity in a broader context, including terrorism, the conversation shifts to understanding the diverse factors that contribute to collective violence.
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