Impact of U.S. Military Aid on Mass Killing Occurrence and Severity

• In Event: Causes and Consequences of Civilian Victimization

Abstract

What impact has US military aid had on the occurrence and severity of episodes of mass killing? Many episodes of mass killing, especially during the Cold War, were perpetrated by right-wing governments against left-wing movements. The US was an active supporter of such governments, providing much military aid in the fight against communism. Arguing that US military aid can enable governments to engage in mass killing, I find that higher levels of US military aid make mass killing both more likely and more severe, but only during the Cold War.

Author

• Petra Hendrickson, Northern Michigan University