Graduation Term
Spring 2026
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Department of History
Committee Chair
Katrin Paehler
Committee Member
Christine Varga-Harris
Committee Member
Keith Pluymers
Abstract
In 1944, Raphael Lemkin introduced the concept of genocide to the world. His work became the foundation for the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention (UNGC). Ever since, Lemkin has been a critical figure in genocide studies. Lemkin’s writings after the creation of the UNGC, however, are less studied. With the creation of the UNGC, Lemkin sought to convince the world of its utility and necessity by creating a three-volume History of Genocide that analyzed instances of genocide in Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times. Lemkin died before he could publish the collection, but the case studies remain in the archives. This thesis investigates Lemkin’s genocide case study research to analyze how he framed narratives of genocide. It argues that Lemkin can serve as more than an anecdote and ceremonial figure in the field. Rather, Lemkin and his writings present a new framework of genocide to challenge conversations within the field. Each chapter takes a current conversation in historiography and analyzes how Lemkin’s writings fit into that conversation. The findings demonstrate that Lemkin frequently thought about how environmental destruction, gendered violence, and attacks on family and reproduction factored into processes of genocide.
Access Type
Thesis-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Black, Kylie, "Lemkin's Lessons: Environmental Destruction, Gendered Violence, and Attacks on Family in Genocide" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 2309.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2309