Kasia3

Chapter 1.8: The Impact of the Genocide

Diagne's Excerpts and Impact

• Video recordings made by Diagne from mid-May until his death.

  • Focused on his time between UN peacekeeping duties and rescue missions.

  • His charm and personality won him friends, including some genocidaires.

• Class discussion questions:

  • Why did so few people speak out against the actions in Rwanda?

  • What were the consequences for those who did speak out?

Overview of the Rwandan Genocide

• One of the most tragic events of the late 20th century.

  • Occurred over 100 days in spring/summer 1994.

  • At least 800,000 people murdered, primarily by their neighbors and government.

  • Classified as a clear case of state-sponsored genocide.

• Linda Melvern characterized it as a defining scandal of the 20th century.

Key Figures and Their Reflections

• Personal reflections from notable figures:

  • Boutros Boutros-Ghali: Considered it one of his greatest failures.

  • Madeleine Albright: Called it her greatest regret as UN ambassador.

  • Romeo Dallaire: Expressed that Rwanda is forever within him, haunted by the past.

Guilt and Responsibility

• Overwhelming guilt influences responses from governments and individuals regarding genocide.

• Long-term implications for justice, accountability, and international law following the genocide.

• The term "never again" reflects a global pledge, yet remains questionable in light of ongoing conflicts.

Reflections on Human Nature and Justice

• Former US President Roosevelt's statement on honor and duty in addressing righteousness.

• The importance of studying such historical events to understand contemporary issues.

• George Santayana's quote: "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

References and Further Reading

• Books and Reports:

  • Berry, J. & Pott Berry, C. (1999). Genocide in Rwanda: A Collective Memory. Howard University Press.

  • Dallaire, R. (2003). Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda. Random House.

  • Hatzfeld, J. (2008). A Time for Machetes: The Rwandan Genocide - The Killers Speak. Profile Books.

  • Melvern, L. (2004). Conspiracy to Murder: The Rwandan Genocide. Verso.

Chapter 2: Kosovo (1989-2002)

History and Context

• Historical Background:

  • Kosovo was central to the Serbian Empire under the Nemanjić Dynasty.

  • Significant battles (notably in 1389) marked the beginning of over 500 years of Turkish Ottoman rule.

• Post-World War I: Kosovo became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes in 1918.

Developments Leading to Conflict

• Events leading up to the ethnic conflict in Kosovo:

  • 1960s: Increased autonomy granted to Kosovo under Yugoslav Constitution.

  • Key political shifts occur with the rise of nationalist sentiments.

• Serbian Nationalism:

  • President Milošević gained power by exploiting nationalist sentiments in the late 1980s.

International Perspective

• The international community’s role and the perception of the Balkan conflicts.

  • Contrast to the Rwandan genocide, with major powers intervening in Kosovo.

• Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008 amid tensions stemming from past conflicts.

Summary of Key Events (1912-1995)

• Timeline Events:

  • Balkan Wars, establishment of Yugoslavia, intervention by NATO, and the significance of Kosovo's geography.

  • Overlapping ethnicities and complex histories complicate the situation.

Yugoslavia under Tito (1945-1980)

Post-War Reorganization

• Emerging from the war, Tito established a federation designed to manage diverse ethnic groups.

• Attempted to balance power among republics while suppressing nationalism.

Tito's Rule and Policies

• Tito's independent approach led Yugoslavia to not align fully with the Soviet Union.

• The notion of "self-management" was introduced in governance.

The Decade of Change (1980-1989)

Post-Tito Developments and Nationalism

• Rising nationalistic sentiments in the 1980s, particularly among Serbs.

• Key figures like Slobodan Milošević rose to prominence, exploiting the issues of Kosovo and national identity.

• Events of 1989 became pivotal as sentiments of unity and division brewed in the region.

Key Points About Kosovo Conflict

• National and territorial disputes leading to ethnic unrest in the 1990s, influencing international responses and engagements.

Disintegration of Yugoslavia (1990-1995)

Key Events

• Slovenia and Croatia’s declaration of independence in 1991 ignited conflict among ethnic groups.

• The ensuing wars led to conflicts over territory, resulting in international interventions.

Conclusion of the Conflicts

• The Dayton Accords aimed to resolve the Bosnian conflict yet the shadows of the past conflicts linger, especially affecting Kosovo’s aspirations for independence.