Genocide

Genocide is defined as the partial or total destruction of a human category, committed intentionally. The popular view conceives of genocide as the large-scale killing of individuals, but in the scholarly and legal fields, genocide occurs when the group itself is targeted. Acts of genocide include killing as well as non-lethal acts such as stopping reproduction among the group, the forcible transfer of children to another group, and cultural genocide. Genocide has occurred throughout human history, even during prehistoric times. Most genocides have occurred during wartime, and they are particularly likely in situations of imperial expansion and power consolidation. Despite efforts to end genocide, effective interventions have not occurred. Genocide is widely considered to be the epitome of human evil and is often referred to as the "crime of crimes"; consequently, events are often denounced as genocide. It is most often a state crime, and most perpetrators are psychologically normal. Genocide typically occurs when the perpetrators believe themselves existentially under threat, and is employed as a means to another end—often after other options failed. The most common pattern of genocidal violence involves the killing of adult men and non-lethal violence, such as sexual assault and enslavement, of women and children. Other common means include forced displacement, land theft, and the destruction of cultural heritage. After genocide, denial and impunity for the perpetrators are common.