Atrocities

The Wrongs that Made Rights Possible: From Rights to Human Rights

HUQUQ Research Team Introduction to Human Rights, Education, Teaching Atrocities, Declarations, Treaties, UDHR 0

The concept of human rights has undergone a profound transformation over centuries, evolving from the notion of rights granted by royal decree and national constitutions to the declaration of universal rights most of which were eventually enshrined in international law in the form of treaties and conventions. This transition reflects both humanity’s growing understanding of inherent human dignity and the egregious abuse that forced human beings to aspire to do better. The journey from citizen or subject rights to universal human rights has been shaped by historical events, philosophical thought, and the need to address egregious atrocities that have occurred throughout human’s existence. Historically, rights were often tied to subjecthood or citizenship within a specific country or nation-state. In ancient civilizations, such as Greece and Rome, rights were granted to citizens but excluded slaves, women, and foreigners. Similarly, in feudal Europe, rights were hierarchical, with monarchs and nobility enjoying privileges denied to most of the population. From ancient royal decrees, like the one that produced the code of Hammurabi (1754 BCE) to the Magna Carta (1215 CE) and the English Bill of Rights (1689 CE) marked early steps toward limiting arbitrary power and recognizing certain rights, but these were still confined to specific groups within a kingdom or a country. Spurred by the abuses at the hands of the Crown and Cross, thinkers of the Western world educated themselves about the achievements of ancient civilizations during the Renaissance and began to emerge out of the Dark Ages. The Enlightenment era […]

Ideology and Mass Killing: The Radicalized Security Policies Behind Genocide and Deadly Atrocities

HUQUQ Editors HUQUQ Bookreview Atrocities, Genocide, Mass Killings 0

In his thought-provoking work, “Ideology and Mass Killing: The Radicalized Security Policies Behind Genocide and Deadly Atrocities,” Dr. Jonathan Maynard, a senior lecturer and associate professor in international politics at King’s College London, delves into the disturbing phenomenon of mass murder and its ideological underpinnings. This book, recently translated into Arabic, offers a comprehensive analysis of why ordinary individuals can become perpetrators of horrific acts, and how ideology plays a critical role in justifying these crimes. Dr. Maynard is not new to the discourse on political violence; prior to his tenure at King’s College, he was associated with the University of Oxford. His academic focus encompasses international relations, political theory, and the intersection of ideology with armed conflict and geopolitical competition. His extensive research on the mechanisms of political violence, particularly against civilians, positions him uniquely to tackle the complex issues presented in this book. Spanning 560 pages, the book is structured into nine insightful chapters, each meticulously dissecting the layers of ideology that contribute to mass violence. The introduction sets the stage, presenting the enigma of mass murder and the ideological critiques surrounding it. From there, Maynard systematically explores various dimensions of ideology, its impact on human behavior, and its capacity to incite violence. The book’s structure is as follows: Chapter One: The introduction lays out the framework for understanding the interplay between ideology and mass murder. Maynard presents a compelling argument regarding the necessity of analyzing the ideological motivations that drive individuals to commit such acts. Chapter Two: […]