Micro and Macro Dimensions of Violentization Theory Applied to Genocide

• In Event: Roundtable: Theory

Abstract

The purpose of this presentation is to describe how to use Lonnie Athens’ violentization theory to understand the micro and macro dimensions of genocide. Violentization theory has rarely been used to explain genocide yet offers a unique understanding of how individuals, groups, and societies become violent and genocidal. Two case studies from the Bosnian genocide are presented to trace how individuals, groups, and communities become genocidal perpetrators within a malignant oriented community.

The stages of the violentization process are: brutalization (observing and learning about violence), defiance (presenting a supportive belief system for the use of violence), violent dominance engagements (engaging in violent behavior), virulency (defining oneself as violent and dangerous), and violent predation (engaging in extreme violent behavior).

Applying violentization theory to genocide explains how societies become genocidal, but offers a model of reversing or preventing genocides from occurring through interventions during the early stages of the violentization process.

Author

• Mark Winton, University of Central Florida