Alleged Genocide in Sudan - Where Does the US National Security Strategy Take Us in Light of the UN Genocide Convention and Lingering Memories of Failure to Intervene in Rwanda

Abstract

Abstract : The recent crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan has been highlighted amidst claims that there is genocide in progress. Claims have come not just from private individuals and organizations but also from President Bush the Secretary of State and a resolution of Congress. Despite these claims and the existence of an international obligation to prevent genocide found in the UN Convention on Genocide the US the UN and the international community have largely failed to act. Using Rwanda as a baseline and the current situation in Sudan as a case study this project examines the US response to the alleged genocide from the perspective of the US as a signatory to the Genocide Convention. Given the US National Security Strategy what are the competing interests and concerns that impact this crisis? And what is the appropriate response to this crisis? Is there something about this specific allegation of genocide that suggests prevention efforts will succeed or fail?