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"Conversations on Genocide" is a podcast series that brings together legal experts, historians, human rights activists, and survivors to explore the complexities of genocide. Through engaging discussions, it aims to deepen understanding of genocide and foster global commitment to preventing future genocides.
Episode 31:
FR. Comment les trois quarts des Juifs en France ont-ils survécu entre 1940 et 1944 ? Entretien avec Jacques Semelin
Comment 75% des Juifs en France ont-ils échappé à la déportation ? Pour son premier épisode en français, le podcast « Conversations on Genocide » accueille l’historien et politologue Jacques Semelin. Encouragé par Simone Veil, Jacques Semelin commence en 2008 une décennie de recherches consacrées à la survie des Juifs en France entre 1940 et 1944. Dans cet épisode, il partage les résultats de ses travaux pionniers, dont voici l’une des principales conclusions : puisque 4000 « Justes » en France n’ont pas pu sauver 200 000 Juifs, les Juifs doivent être reconsidérés comme les premiers acteurs de leur survie. Vous souhaitez en apprendre plus sur cette « énigme française » ? Vous êtes au bon endroit ! Pour plus de détails, n’hésitez pas à consulter l’ouvrage de référence de Jacques Semelin : « La survie des Juifs en France (1940-1944) » (CNRS Éditions, 2018). Jacques Semelin est historien et psychologue de formation, aujourd’hui directeur de recherche émérite au CNRS et professeur à Sciences Po Paris. Ses travaux portent principalement sur la résistance civile, les génocides et violences extrêmes, la survie et le sauvetage en situation génocidaire. Son livre « Purifier et détruire » (Le Seuil, 2005) demeure une référence internationale dans le domaine des études sur le génocide. Il a également fondé et dirigé l’Encyclopédie en ligne sur les violences de masse. English-speaking listeners, stay tuned: the English transcript of this episode will soon be available on Genocide Watch's website!Jacques Semelin est professeur émérite d'histoire et de sciences politiques à Sciences Po, CERI, CNRS, Paris. Ses recherches portent sur l'Holocauste et les violences de masse, ainsi que sur la résistance civile et les opérations de sauvetage. Il est l'auteur de l'ouvrage de référence *Désarmés contre Hitler : la résistance civile en Europe, 1939-1945* et de *Purifier et détruire : les usages politiques du massacre et du génocide* .
Episode 30:
Prof. Amos Goldberg on Holocaust Memory, Genocide, and Moral Responsibility
Dr. Amos Goldberg, Holocaust scholar at Hebrew University, discusses with Areeka why he publicly called Gaza a genocide—and the moral responsibility that comes with expertise in genocide studies. He explains how Holocaust memory is being misused to justify violence, why analogies to past genocides matter, and the personal cost of speaking truth in Israel today. This conversation explores the intersection of scholarship and conscience, examining how "never again" became selectively applied and what lessons the world continues to ignore.
Episode 29:
Exploring Genocide: From Ukraine to Gaza
In this episode of Conversations on Genocide, Emily delves into the complex topic of genocide with special guest William Schabas, a leading scholar on genocide and international human rights law. They discuss the legal definitions and interpretations of genocide, particularly in relation to Ukraine and Gaza, and the ongoing debates among scholars and professionals. They also explore the new special tribunal for the crime of aggression in Ukraine, its jurisdictional basis, potential challenge.
Episode 28:
Defining Genocide: The Gaza Crisis Explained
Today's episode features a conversation with Professor Omer Bartov, a leading expert on genocide and Holocaust studies at Brown University. Areeka and Prof. Bartov discuss the unfolding of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The discussion covers the events leading to the genocide, and the implications of naming it as such. Bartov addresses issues such as the use of dehumanizing rhetoric, the framing of the conflict as a war, and the psychological challenges of recognizing genocide.
Episode 27:
Seeking Justice: An Interview with Steve Crawshaw on Genocide, Accountability, and Human Rights
In this episode of "Conversations on Genocide," Michal interviews Steve Crawshaw, a leading human rights advocate and author, about his experiences confronting genocide and mass atrocities. Crawshaw discusses the evolution and challenges of international justice, the significance of survivor testimony, and the ongoing struggle against global inaction and complicity. He highlights the importance of accountability, the role of truth in healing, and offers resources for further education on human rights and genocide prevention.
Episode 26:
Remembering Genocide on the Stage: Legal Aliens Theatre’s Adaptation of Aidan Hehir’s Flowers of Srebrenica
How does an artist representing genocide navigate the tension between respectful commemoration and critical engagement? Why does the stage lend itself particularly well to remembering stories of genocide? What does it take for ‘spectators’ to care? In this episode, our Research Director, Kolby, sits down with Legal Aliens Theatre Director Lara Parmiani to discuss their company’s stage adaptation of Aidan Hehir’s book, Flowers of Srebrenica. Their discussions delve into the broader work of Legal Aliens Theatre, the artistic choices made in adapting Hehir’s book to the stage, the different reactions from audiences throughout the Balkans, the company’s expectations for their upcoming Western European shows, and the significance of their adaptation in a time of ongoing genocide.
Episode 25:
Documenting War Through Photography: The War in Ukraine
On today's episode of Conversations on Genocide, Emily and Finia with our Ukraine task force sit down with two wartime photographers, Justyna Mielnikiewicz and Laurin Strele, to discuss their experiences capturing conflict on camera. Focusing on the war in Ukraine, the discussion delves into their work documenting moments of resilience and humanity, amid intense conflict and strife.
Episode 24:
The Lives of Women & Girls Under the Taliban
Since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan, women and girls have faced systemic violence and the stripping of human rights. Women have been denied the ability to join the workforce, access education, and cannot let their voices be heard outside the house. In this episode, Raziya Masumi tells us about the brutal treatment of women and girls under the Taliban. Raziya is a legal expert, and leads the Afghanistan Task Force at Genocide Watch.
Episode 23:
Why Is the U.N. Ineffective at Preventing Genocide?
Why is the U.N. so ineffective at preventing genocide? What changes need to be made to the U.N. for it to become an effective body in preventing, addressing, and redressing genocide? In this episode, Elia is joined by Dr. Gregory Stanton, the founder of Genocide Watch, to explore these questions, as well as outline the design flaws present in U.N. conventions addressing genocide, and what needs to change for the U.N. to reflect its stated values and mission in regards to genocide.
Episode 22:
The Healing Power of Sharing Victims' Stories
What is the healing power of victims of genocide sharing their stories, and what challenges do victims face in sharing? How do victim testimonies affect understandings of genocide and pathways to reconciliation and forgiveness? In this episode, Bhaswati is joined by Professor Drew Kahn to discuss his experience collecting victim testimonies and transforming them into performances, as well as his work with the the Anne Frank Project, a multilayered program at Buffalo State University that utilizes the wisdom of Anne Frank as a springboard for the examination of conflict education and social justice through the lens of story and performance.
Episode 21:
Peter Metzelaar: Story of a Holocaust Survivor
Peter Metzelaar, a Holocaust survivor, joins Beth on today's episode. Peter was born in Amsterdam in 1935. In 1942, when Peter was 7, the Nazis seized Peter's entire family except for Peter and his mother. He tells us his incredible story of survival, resilience, and the importance of Holocaust education.
Episode 20:
What Is Cultural Genocide?
What is cultural genocide? Why are acts of cultural genocide excluded from the legal definition of genocide? In this episode, Professor Jeff Bachman joins Elia to discuss his research into the history of cultural genocide and some of its present day manifestations.
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