Abstract
This paper provides an analysis of perpetrators of gross violations of human rights based on material drawn from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). After reviewing broad trends in the literature, it analyses perpetrators' actions in terms of four broad areas: Contexts, perspectives, motives and causes, and neglected factors. Arguing for a primarily political understanding, and critical of psychological reductionism, the paper also covers other important factors notably social identities, language and ideology, the dynamics of situations and authoritarianism. It touches on the neglected areas of masculinity, special organisations, secrecy and emotions. Arguments are illustrated with quotations from TRC material.
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