How is genocide different from other forms of political violence? What makes a country at risk for genocide? Why do some armed conflicts produce large-scale violence against civilians, while others produce much lower levels of violence? Based on a comparative study of genocide and non-genocide situations, the talk examines these questions with the aim of developing a better theory of genocide. Cases include: Rwanda, Sudan, Burundi, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal.

Scott Strauss is an Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison. His teaching and research interests include genocide, violence, human rights and African politics.