1. Introducing the Research: Questions and Methodology

Abstract

This introductory chapter presents an overview of this book, which is a part of a larger research project on the failure to prevent genocide, ethnic cleansing and gross human rights violations in Rwanda (1994), Srebrenica (1995) and Darfur (2003). The book compares the qualitative evidence collected for these three conflicts and makes some broader generalisations. It sets out the theoretical framework which is based on theories of International Relations and foreign policy making. The book also applies and illustrates concisely the theoretical framework for the genocides in Rwanda and Srebrenica with a particular focus on explaining the reasons for the failure to prevent the genocide. The book further introduces Darfur, the land and its people, and gives a brief historical context to the conflict. It discusses thoroughly how and why international decision makers responded to the situation in Darfur. The book ends with the adoption of Security Council's Resolution 1593.Keywords: Darfur; foreign policy making; human rights violations; Rwanda; Security Council's Resolution 1593; Srebrenica