If we know something about the patterns and conditions of genocide, we may perhaps at an early point be able to diagnose and identify developments that lead to these acts. If such developments can be diagnosed, it will be easier for the international community to intervene and stop developments that can lead to a human catastrophe. Consequently, the only reason to examine the patterns and conditions for genocide is to contribute to efforts that will ensure that such crimes against humanity do not happen again.

The core message of this volume refers to silence as an ethical crime, and historical amnesia as a perspective of the philosophy of violence.