Investigating Indoctrination to Incitement: What is the Relationship between Hate Media and Genocide?

This thesis utilizes a synthetic, thematic approach to evaluate the role of hate media in inciting genocidal violence in six historical cases: Rwanda, the Islamic State, Myanmar, Guatemala, Yugoslavia, and Germany. Many scholars have debated the centrality of hateful discourse in cases of state violence, especially when voiced in a politically and economically charged context. This enduring debate has risen to the forefront of international jurisprudence, beginning with the trials of Nazi propagandists at the Nuremberg war crimes tribunal. The consequent "Media Case" in Rwanda held media executives accountable for inciting genocide. Moving into the modern century, the "media effects" debate remains unsettled: does hate media directly incite bloodshed, or does it serve as a secondary driver of violence? This thesis will examine if hate media can be deemed as culpable for incitement to genocide as those who drew up the extermination plans, wielded weapons, or manufactured military munitions.