This book brings together leading scholars in the field to consider the role of the military in preventing and responding to genocide and mass atrocities. Military leadership and resourcefulness has saved countless lives during genocide and mass violence over the past century or more. Yet there is surprisingly little focus on the critical role of the military in atrocity prevention. This book examines cases in which the actions of military leaders, groups of military personnel and even individual soldiers have made a material impact in saving lives. It explores what factors can promote, or conversely discourage, such extraordinary action, and considers how we can educate and prepare the current generation of military personnel to be upstanders in the face of mass violence.

Deborah Mayersen is Senior Lecturer in International and Political Studies at the University of New South Wales Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy.