Pathways to genocide : the process of ideological radicalisation

• Main Author: Murray, Elisabeth Hope
• Published: University of Edinburgh 2011
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.735461

This thesis examines the process of ideological evolution in the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust and Serbian aggression against Bosniaks during the break-up of Yugoslavia. It notes that, as a key element of power in the twentieth century, the role of ideology in genocidal states has been under-acknowledged, particularly in comparative studies. Making use of Mommsen's theory of cumulative radicalisation, I look at key themes important in nationalist movements: extreme otherness, the nation and homeland. Following a discussion of methods and literature, I propose a new perspective on addressing otherness in genocidal states, identifying the extreme other-group as 'anti-nation' and go on to discuss the role of the anti-nation, nation and homeland in radicalising ideology. In doing so, I show that ideology is both a form of structure and of agency and thus provides unique insight into how institutions participate in radicalising states. Looking at the evolution of ideology allows me to test Mahoney's theory of path dependency by taking an episodic approach to research and applying it to these radicalising states. My conclusion discusses the complexities of the thematic cumulative radicalisation of ideology, ideology as structure and agency and whether or not path dependency is applicable to studying ideology in radicalising states.