Genocide is a human phenomenon that can be analyzed and understood, and consequently, may be prevented. According to academic and activist Gregory H. Stanton, genocide is a process that develops in ten stages, described here. The stages do not necessarily follow a linear progression and may coexist. Prevention measures may be implemented at any stage.
1. Classification
Groups in a position of power will categorize people according to ethnicity, race, religion, or nationality employing a Us vs. Them
mentality.
Prevention: Create universalistic institutions that foster social cohesion.
2. Symbolization
People are identified as Jews, Roma, or Tutsis, etc., and made to stand out from others with certain colors or symbolic articles of clothing.
Prevention: Ban the symbols and hate speech and all clothing meant to discriminate against groups.
3. Discrimination
A dominant group uses laws, customs, and political power to deny the rights of other groups. The powerless group may not be granted full civil rights or even citizenship.
Prevention: Ensure full political empowerment and citizenship rights for all groups in a society. Discrimination on the basis of nationality, ethnicity, race, or religion should be outlawed.
4. Dehumanization
The diminished value of the discriminated group is communicated through propaganda. Parallels are drawn with animals, insects, or diseases.
Prevention: Promptly denounce and punish perpetrators and make hate crimes and speech culturally unacceptable. Sanction all incitements to commit genocide.
5. Organization
A state, its army or militia design genocidal killing plans.
Prevention: Outlaw membership in these militias and sanction their leaders. Impose arms embargoes on the countries involved and create commissions of inquiry.