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Managing Threat, Cost, and Incentive to Kill: The Short- and Long-Term Effects of Intervention in Mass Killings

Author

Listed:
  • Jacob D. Kathman

    (Department of Political Science, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA)

  • Reed M. Wood

    (School of Politics and Global Studies, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA and The Center for the Study of Civil War, Peace Research Institute, Oslo, Norway)

Abstract

How do third-party interventions affect the severity of mass killings? The authors theorize that episodes of mass killing are the consequence of two factors: (1) the threat perceptions of the perpetrators and (2) the cost of implementing genocidal policies relative to other alternatives. To reduce genocidal hostilities, interveners must address these factors. Doing so requires that interveners alter the genocidaire's expectation of a successful extermination policy, which in turn requires a demonstration of the third party's resolve. This cannot be achieved immediately upon intervention, and, given the perpetrator's strategic response to third-party involvement, the authors expect intervention to increase hostilities in the short term. With time, however, the authors contend that the characteristics of impartial interventions offer the greatest opportunity for reducing the violence in the long term. A statistical analysis of the 1955-2005 period supports the theoretical expectations.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacob D. Kathman & Reed M. Wood, 2011. "Managing Threat, Cost, and Incentive to Kill: The Short- and Long-Term Effects of Intervention in Mass Killings," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 55(5), pages 735-760, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:55:y:2011:i:5:p:735-760
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    Cited by:

    1. Anderton Charles H. & Carter John R., 2015. "A New Look at Weak State Conditions and Genocide Risk," Peace Economics, Peace Science, and Public Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 21(1), pages 1-36, January.

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