Avalik loeng "How and Why Genocide is Distinguished from Warfare"
 Professor Dirk Moses (City University of New York)
Ãœhiskonnateaduste instituut
Lisa kalendrisse
iCal calendar
This lecture examines the legal and conceptual distinctions between war and genocide. Originally designed to criminalize warfare against entire populations, the legal definitions have historically limited the scope of accountability — allowing states to pursue mass violence without facing charges of genocide. The memory and legacy of the Holocaust have reinforced this divide, shaping international law and public perception. Yet, many recent conflicts, including in Ukraine and Gaza, reveal the dangers of this conceptual gap.
Professor Moses argues that understanding these distinctions is crucial for addressing ongoing atrocities. Recognizing how international law and collective memory have been shaped to serve state interests is vital in working toward justice and prevention.
About the speaker:
Professor Dirk Moses is the Anne and Bernard Spitzer Professor of International Relations at CUNY’s City College. His research spans genocide studies, memory, and intellectual history. His recent books include The Problems of Genocide (2021) and edited volumes on the Holocaust memorials, Ukraine, and the history of memory.
Organized by the Department of International Relations, School of Governance, Law and Society. Moderator: Associate Professor Birgit Poopuu