The International Dimension of Genocide in Rwanda - by A Klinghoffer (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The mass killings in Rwanda in 1994 shocked the world but the international response was ineffective. The end of the Cold War had created a moral climate supportive of humanitarian intervention and enforcement of the Genocide Convention, but it had not produced adequate legal and structural mechanisms to carry out such action. The book examines the failures of the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity, regional states and major world powers either to prevent or terminate the genocide and draws lessons for intervention in future.

Review Quotes

'An excellent study of one of the hottest topics in world politics - humanitarian intervention. This multidimensional approach to the study of genocide in Rwanda which covers historical, sociopolitical, and international dimensions. Its strength lies in its skilful blend of profundity, and broad coverage of genocide, foreign policy, external intervention, and great power politics.' - Earl Conteh-Morgan, University of South Florida

'A thoroughly researched and documented account of the breakdown of international machinery in the face of state-sponsored lawlessness. The world said `Never again' to genocide after World War II, but this book demonstrates that it has done little to fulfil its vow. Understanding the Rwandan case, as delineated by Klinghoffer, may be the first step to implementing a system of enforcement of the convention against genocide.' - Robert Mortimer

'This is an invaluable and an excellent contribution to the understanding of African Politics, in the context of the tensions and contradictions arising from ethnic conflicts in post-colonial Africa. More than that, it also involves comparative analyses of allegations and incidents of genocide, not only in Africa but also in Europe and other parts of the world. This book is, therefore, also highly recommended to students of international law, international criminal law, and international human rights. It is thoroughly researched, extremely well-written and appropriately documented. The author combines clarity and felicity of style to produce an excellent book which will for long be cited as a treasure trove of facts and information on genocide generally and the Rwandan and African tragedy in particular.' - Professor Kodjo Paaka Kludze, Professor of African and International Law, Rutgers School of Law

'This is essential reading for anyone trying to understand the complexities of the genocide in Rwanda. As well as presenting a comprehensive historical analysis of the concept of genocide, it takes a detailed look at the involvement of all the different actors in Rwanda, and the reaction of the international community to this appalling event.' - Alain Destexhe, President of the International Crisis Group and former Secretary-General, Crisis without Borders

About the Author

ARTHUR J. KLINGHOFFER is a Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University, USA. He has been the recipient of two Fulbright Fellowships and a Nobel Fellowship, and is the author of ten books including seven on African Politics. Among his publications are The Angolan War, Oiling The Wheels of Apartheid and Soviet Perspectives of African Socialism.