The Eight Stages of Genocide

By Dr. Stanton, President of Genocide Watch

The Stages

1. Classification2. Symbolization3. Dehumanization4. Organization5. Polarization6. Identification7. Extermination8. Denial

Stage 1-- Classification

• “us” and “them”

• Bipolar societies more likely to have genocides

Avoid: Search for common ground

Stage 2--Symbolization

• Names or symbols are assigned to each classification

• Color, dress, etc. applied universally to a group

Avoid: Denial of symbolization

Stage 3--Dehumanization

• Group members equated with animals, vermin, insects, or disease

• Hate propaganda is utilized

Avoid: Diminish propaganda

Stage 4--Organization

• Usually by the state; sometimes informally

• Plans are made for genocidal killing

Avoid: memberships in militias should be denied, leaders should be denied visas for foreign travel, UN should impose arms embargoes

Stage 5--Polarization

• Extremists drive groups apart• Laws forbid intermarriage or social

interaction• Moderates may be targeted to intimidate

and silence them

Avoid: security protection for moderates; coups d'état by extremists should opposed by the international community

Stage 6--Identification

• Death lists are drawn up• Forced wearing of identification• Segregated into ghettos; forced into

concentration camps, or confined to a famine-struck region

Avoid: Genocide must be called; international intervention, assistance needed

Stage 7--Extermiantion

• Implementation of genocide

Avoid: Armed intervention

Stage 8--Denial

• Dig up of mass graves, burn bodies, cover up evidence, intimidate witnesses

Avoid: Arrest and prosecute