Unpacking the effects of genocide and politicide on forced migration

In: Conflict management and peace science: the official journal of the Peace Science Society (International), Volume 31, Issue 3, p. 225-243

Abstract

Scholars have not found a consistent connection between state-sponsored mass killing and forced migration. I argue that disaggregating mass killing into its various forms can illuminate these mixed findings. As genocide targets specific groups, the effect of this killing should not have a large effect on creating forced migrants amongst the rest of the population. Conversely, politicides aim to eradicate individuals whom the government sees as a threat. As the focus of politicide cuts across groups, this type of mass killing should affect a larger proportion of the population and lead to greater numbers of displaced persons. [Reprinted by permission; copyright Sage Publications Ltd.]