Question

What are the contributing factors that increase the likelihood of genocide? Check all that apply.

a government that is divided philosophically
economic, political, or social instability
unequal distributions of power and resources
leaders who increase tensions between groups
random acts of violence committed by citizens

Answer 1

Correct answers: 2, 3, and 4.

- Economic, political, or social instability (2) creates crises that can be exploited to scapegoat groups or justify mass violence.
- Unequal distributions of power and resources (3) produce resentment and structural discrimination that can be mobilized into persecution.
- Leaders who increase tensions between groups (4) — through hate speech, propaganda, or policy — are a key accelerant toward organized mass atrocities.

Why the others are not usually counted:
- A government “divided philosophically” (1) is vague and often makes coordinated, state-led genocide less likely rather than more.
- Random acts of violence by citizens (5) do not by themselves constitute genocide, which typically requires organized, intentional campaigns against a group.