Genocide and the Europeans

“Genocide and the Europeans” by Karen E. Smith, published by Cambridge University Press on October 7, 2010, is an illustrated work comprising 290 pages in English. This book examines the complex responses of European governments to genocide in the post-Cold War era, highlighting the disconnect between the severity of the crime and the actions taken by these governments. It delves into the historical context of the 1948 Genocide Convention and scrutinizes the varied attitudes towards its negotiation and ratification, as well as the reluctance to label certain atrocities as genocide.

Readers will find a thorough analysis of European governmental responses to genocide since World War II, focusing on the limited measures often employed, such as humanitarian aid and support for international criminal tribunals, while more forceful actions like sanctions or military intervention are frequently dismissed. The book addresses the underlying reasons for the hesitance among European nations to adopt the term genocide in their discourse, providing insights into the political and legal frameworks that shape these responses. Topics such as international relations, human rights, and military history are woven throughout the narrative, offering a comprehensive perspective on this critical issue.