Definition
Genocide is the deliberate, systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. The term was coined in the twentieth century and later defined in international law as a distinct and especially grave crime.
Unlike incidental violence, genocide is organized and intentional: it targets people not for what they have done but for who they are.
Why it matters
How it works
Genocide rarely begins with mass killing. It typically follows a sequence: a targeted group is defined and separated, then dehumanized through propaganda, stripped of legal protection and property, isolated, and finally subjected to systematic violence. Carrying it out requires organization — administrators, security forces, and a climate of fear or ideological zeal. Recognizing the early stages is central to prevention, since intervention is far more effective before the final phase. After the fact, international institutions seek accountability and historical record.