The definition and prevention of genocide: a rhetorical analysis of the United Nations

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Shani-Leigh Searcy Christiansen (Creator)
Institution
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
Advisor
Diane Martinez

Abstract: The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization established in 1945 after World War II. The United Nations helps to regulate international relations and also promotes peace and security, human rights, social and economic development, environmental safety, and humanitarian aid in disasters and conflicts. The United Nations has created documents that define the global standard of peace and security, as well as preventative measures to tragedies that have taken place across the world including the multiple acts of genocide that have occurred in various countries. I am interested in exploring how the United Nations defines genocide, and how the language in policy is implemented in order to prevent future acts of genocide around the world. My research uses a primary document of the United Nations in order to examine their ability to develop policy and action regarding security and the prevention of genocide. Specifically, I use the Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes: A Tool for Prevention. Using this document, I analyze how the United Nations uses language to discuss the importance of humanity, what they believe constitutes genocide, and how they will continue to promote peace and prevent acts of genocide throughout an international community that may have different definitions of peace and security. As I review this document, I also look at the importance of hierarchy in a global community. In order to analyze these documents, I have used the social construction of knowledge theory, positivism vs. humanism, and cultural studies theory to determine if the language used in preventative documents and policy is ethical in its creation of a universal idea of peace and human rights, if it affects various cultures differently, and if the P5 members of the United Nations are affected by these documents.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2017
Keywords
Genocide, Technical Communication, Technical Writing, United Nations
Subjects
United Nations
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide|d(1948 December 9)
Genocide
English language -- Rhetoric
Discourse analysis

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