A Solution to "The Problem from Hell"?: Quantifying the Effects of International Military Interventions During Mass Killings and Genocides
Open Access
Author:
Kemanian-Leites, Luisina
Area of Honors:
International Politics
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Roseanne Mc Manus, Thesis Supervisor Gretchen G Casper, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Genocide Mass Killings Military Intervention
Abstract:
Why are some international military interventions during mass killings or genocides successful at decreasing their severity, while others are not? I use data on military interventions during mass killings and genocides that occurred from 1955-2018 to investigate this question. Specifically, the three independent variables of military interventions being investigated are directionality, number of troops deployed, and timing of the intervention. I find that genocides that experience interventions may be more severe in terms of the number of noncombatants killed and the duration. Directionality and timing are shown to be statistically significant factors that affect the severity of killings. Pro-perpetrator and late interventions are both more likely to be associated with more deadly genocides as compared to other interventions. Ultimately, the conclusions of the research may serve to guide foreign policy during mass killings and genocides in the future.
