Promoting Resilience to Genocide: An Evidence-based Approach

Preventing genocide is more achievable than ever before. In the past two decades, there has been an upsurge in research and resources dedicated to genocide and mass atrocity prevention. There is now substantial knowledge of risk factors for genocide, of current countries at risk of genocide and mass atrocities, and, most importantly, a small but passionate field of practitioners dedicated to prevention. Crucial to their effectiveness, however, is the adoption of evidence-based strategies. One important methodological approach to identifying proven strategies is through comparative analysis of historical case studies of resilience to genocide. From these case studies, in which a demonstrable risk of genocide was offset through effective resilience, researchers can identify cross-situational factors that have proven to reduce risk in the past, and therefore have a high potential to do so again. Adopting this approach, this article examines two cases of extraordinary resilience to genocide—those of Bulgaria and Denmark during the Holocaust. Through careful examination of these case studies, three factors important for promoting resilience can be identified. These include the role of leaders in contributing to prevention; the importance of early and robust condemnation of persecution in changing the trajectory of each crisis; and the importance of discursive space in which to challenge narratives of oppression. Each of these factors offers new insights for evidence-based approaches to genocide prevention.