KEY THEMES AbouT THE ConvEning orgAnizATionS
■ Genocide and mass atrocities threaten core The United StAteS HolocAUSt memo-
American values and national interests. riAl mUSeUm, a living memorial to the Ho-
From the president on down, preventing locaust, inspires citizens and leaders to confront
genocide must be a national priority. hatred, promote human dignity and prevent
genocide. Federal support guarantees the Mu-
■ Preventing genocide is achievable. Work-
seum’s permanence, and its far-reaching edu-
ing with international partners, the U.S.
cational programs and global impact are made
can take practical steps to prevent mass possible by donors nationwide.
atrocities at every stage. The choice is not
between doing nothing and large-scale The AmericAn AcAdemy of diplomAcy
military intervention. is dedicated to strengthening the resources and
tools America brings to managing its diplomatic
■ The administration should develop and
challenges, and accomplishes this through out-
implement a government-wide policy to
reach programs, lectures, awards, and writing
prevent genocide and mass atrocities, in-
competitions. In doing so, the Academy pro-
cluding the creation of standing institu-
motes an understanding of the importance of
tional mechanisms to ensure that the U.S.
diplomacy to serving our nation and enhancing
government takes timely and effective
America’s standing in the world.
action.
The United StAteS inStitUte of peAce
“The world agrees that genocide is is an independent, nonpartisan, national insti-
unacceptable and yet genocide and mass tution established and funded by Congress. Its
killings continue. We have a duty to find goals are to prevent and resolve violent interna-
the answer before the vow of ‘never again’ tional conflicts, promote post-conflict stability
Preventing
is once again betrayed.” and development, and increase peacebuilding
capacity, tools, and intellectual capital world-
—Madeleine K. albright and WilliaM S. Cohen wide. The Institute does this by empowering
others with knowledge, skills, and resources, as
Genocide
well as by directly engaging in peacebuilding
efforts around the globe.
E D S T AT
to download the complete task force report visit: IT
UN
ES
www.ushmm.org
A Blueprint for U.S. Policymakers
CE
IN S T
www.academyofdiplomacy.org
EA
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UT
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www.usip.org E OF
Madeleine K. Albright William S. Cohen
Co-Chairs, Genocide Prevention Task Force
AbouT THE gEnoCidE PrEvEnTion TASK ForCE rEPorT ouTlinE KEY rECoMMEndATionS
■ The Genocide Prevention Task Force was ■ Leadership: The Indispensable Ingredient. ■ Create an interagency Atrocities Preven-
launched on November 13, 2007 and re- Nothing is more central to preventing geno- tion Committee at the National Security
leased its report to the public on December cide than leadership—from the president, Council to analyze threats of genocide
8, 2008. Congress, and the American people. Making and mass atrocities and consider appro-
progress requires leaders to summon politi- priate preventive action.
■ It was jointly convened by the U.S. Holo-
cal will not only after a crisis strikes, but also
caust Memorial Museum, The American Make warning of genocide or mass atrocities
before one emerges. ■
Academy of Diplomacy, and the U.S. In- an “automatic trigger” of policy review.
stitute of Peace. It was funded by private ■ Early Warning: Assessing Risks and Trig-
foundations. gering Action. Early warning is critical for ■ Develop military guidance on genocide
prioritizing efforts and informing the de- prevention and response and incorporate it
■ Its goals were: (1) To spotlight genocide
sign of effective prevention strategies. into doctrine and training.
prevention as a national priority; and (2) To
develop practical policy recommendations ■ Early Prevention: Engaging Before the ■ Prepare interagency genocide prevention
to enhance the capacity of the U.S. govern- Crisis. By engaging leaders, institutions, and and response plans for high-risk situations.
ment to respond to emerging threats of civil society at an early stage, we can help
genocide and mass atrocities. vulnerable countries steer clear of dangers. ■ Invest $250 million—less than a dollar for
■ Preventive Diplomacy: Halting and Re- every American each year—in new funds
for crisis prevention and response.
TASK ForCE MEMbErS versing Escalation. Even at later stages, there
Madeleine K. Albright ■ William S. Cohen are opportunities to alter leaders’ decisions
■ Make $50 million of this amount available
Co-Chairs and change their plans. By improving our
for urgent off-cycle activities to prevent or
crisis response capabilities, we can strength-
halt emerging genocidal crises.
John Danforth en preventive diplomacy.
Thomas Daschle Launch a major diplomatic initiative to
■ Employing Military Options. U.S. military ■
Stuart Eizenstat assets can provide important support to create an international network for infor-
Michael Gerson prevention strategies short of the use of mation sharing and coordinated action to
force and become especially crucial when prevent genocide and mass atrocities.
Dan Glickman
prevention fails.
Jack Kemp ■ Provide assistance to build the capacity of
Gabrielle Kirk McDonald ■ International Action: Strengthening Norms international partners—including the UN
Thomas R. Pickering and Institutions. The U.S. has an interest in and regional organizations—to prevent
promoting an international system that can genocide and mass atrocities.
Julia Taft (1942–2008)
effectively prevent and halt genocide and
Vin Weber mass atrocities. In partnership with others,
Anthony Zinni we can multiply our positive impact.