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President Clinton'S Nonintervention In The Rwanda Genocide

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  • Eric James Szandzik

Abstract

This research analyzes Clinton's decision to not intervene in the Rwandan genocide. The methodology used is a historical analysis and interpretation of primary and secondary source material. Clinton admitted that not intervening in the Rwandan genocide was one of the greatest regrets of his presidency. There was not a substantial amount of domestic support for an intervention into Rwanda and Clinton did not attempt to use his influence to change that disposition. Clinton did not attempt to change domestic sentiments due to his priorities of reduced funding for foreign operations and the avoidance of ‘mission creep.’ The most common fault in the current historiography is the claim that Clinton did not intervene in Rwanda because of the failed mission that had recently occurred in Somalia, which does not align with the available evidence. Upon leaving office, he accepted ownership of his poor decisions and expressed sincere regret. Esta investigación analiza la decisión de Clinton de no intervenir en el genocidio de Ruanda. La metodología utilizada es un análisis histórico de la materia de fuente primaria y secundaria, y una interpretación de ese material. Clinton admitió que no intervenir en el genocidio de Ruanda fue el mayor pesar de su presidencia. No hubo una cantidad sustancial de apoyo interno para una intervención en Ruanda y Clinton no intentó usar su influencia para cambiar esa disposición. Clinton no intentó cambiar los sentimientos internos debido a sus prioridades de reducción de fondos para operaciones en el extranjero y evitar el avance de la misión. La falla más común en la historiografía actual es la afirmación de que Clinton no intervino en Ruanda debido a la misión fallida que había ocurrido recientemente en Somalia, lo que no se alinea con la evidencia disponible. Al dejar el cargo, aceptó la propiedad de sus malas decisiones y expresó su sincero pesar. 本研究分析了克林顿总统在卢旺达大屠杀中采取的不干预决策。使用历史分析法并对原始资料和次级文献加以诠释。克林顿承认,未干预卢旺达大屠杀一事是其在位期间最大的遗憾。彼时就干预卢旺达大屠杀一事并没有大量的国内支持,并且克林顿没有试图使用其影响力来改变这一倾向。鉴于其将重点聚焦于减少外交行动所需资金和避免“使命偏离”,克林顿也没有试图改变国内情绪。当前历史编篡学中最常见的错误论断则是,克林顿因之前在索马里的行动失败而并未干预卢旺达大屠杀,但这与可获得的证据不一致。任期结束时,克林顿承认了其糟糕的决策并表达了由衷的遗憾。

Suggested Citation

  • Eric James Szandzik, 2022. "President Clinton'S Nonintervention In The Rwanda Genocide," World Affairs, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 185(1), pages 176-206, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:woraff:v:185:y:2022:i:1:p:176-206
    DOI: 10.1177/00438200211064941
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