3 - Fear, Hope, and the Formation of Specific Intention in Genocide

Summary

Political scientist Neta Crawford argues that even seemingly cold-blooded and well-organized atrocities have their roots in hot emotional processes and emotional beliefs. Genocidal policies are the institutionalization of two specific emotions, Crawford claims, namely fear and hope. Fearful beliefs about an alleged enemy legitimizes the political regime as protector of the community against an existential threat, and also justifies the mass killing as a necessary act of self-defense; through violence, leaders hope to bring about a better, more secure world. But the emotional complexity of the perpetrators does not stop there, Crawford points out, because fear is also humiliating and those who experience it tend to feel ashamed. So instead of acknowledging their fear and sense of vulnerability, the perpetrators construct a counter-narrative of invulnerable strength and superiority. Their genocidal policies enact a rejection of vulnerability and an attempt to establish their alleged superiority and strength through violent means. In this fashion, Crawford concludes, an emotional narrative of vulnerability and a desire for empowerment end in the most aggressive act one group can take against another.