Uğur Ümit Üngör: Holocaust and Genocide Studies: Cucumber and Vegetable Studies?

In this interview, historian and sociologist Uğur Ümit Üngör discusses the controversy and complication over the use of the “g-word” (genocide), as well as the damage done to humanity because some genocides are deemed “more equal” than others. Drawing on his expertise in genocide and mass atrocity in the Middle East, he discusses how these issues intersect with the ongoing conflicts in Israel and Palestine. Chapter Timestamps00:00 - Opening01:17 - Introduction01:40 - Challenges of the Term "Genocide"10:01 - Debates Over the Usage and Implications of "Genocide"17:01 - Academic Perspectives: Are Scholars Addressing Genocide Effectively?20:29 - "Screaming, Silence, and Mass Violence in Israel/Palestine"23:56 - Conflict Hotspots in and around the Middle East29:36 - How Genocide is Viewed on the Global Stage36:34 - Insights from The Antelope’s Strategy by Jean Hatzfeld38:21 - Taking Action: Concrete Steps to Prevent Genocide43:07 - Social Media’s Role in Activism and Genocide Prevention47:41 - Why People Prefer to use "Genocide" Over “War Crimes” or “Crimes Against Humanity”51:26 - Exploring the Roots of Violence and Conflict54:29 - "Genocide Studies Sound Meant to Be Politically Expedient or Emotionally Safe"