Studies of Past Mass Atrocities

The Simon-Skjodt Center conducts retrospective country analyses to generate constructive discussion among policymakers and academics about how past cases of mass atrocities might have been prevented or mitigated, what might still be done, and what past situations can teach us about saving lives in future instances of genocide and mass atrocities.

Drawing from the insights of former officials and analysis of “critical junctures” where different policy decisions might have been made, our retrospective country analyses offer an in-depth look at policy debates surrounding atrocity prevention and suggest a way forward for policy makers seeking to prevent future violence.

• Read our retrospective research on South Sudan (PDF)

• Read our retrospective research on Syria

• Read our retrospective research on the Central African Republic (PDF)

• Learn about the Center’s retrospective project on international decision making in Rwanda and Srebrenica