Genocide

In this alternate history, the specific term "genocide" is not part of the common lexicon, nor is there an established legal or moral framework around it. While large-scale killings of ethnic, religious, political and other groups have undoubtedly occurred throughout history, they are typically described and understood using other terminology such as "mass extermination," "population cleansing," "religious warfare," "ethnic/sectarian conflict," and so on.

Lack of Consensus on Definition

Unlike in our world, where the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention provided a standard legal definition of genocide, no such international agreement exists in this timeline. The killing or forced displacement of entire populations is recognized as a grim reality, but there is no universal consensus on what precisely constitutes such an act or when it rises to the level of a crime against humanity.

Different regions, cultures and belief systems have developed their own conceptual frameworks and terminologies for handling large-scale violence against civilian populations. What one society may consider a justified "war of religious/ideological purification," another may view as an inexcusable "mass extermination." The lack of a shared definition means there is often ambiguity, debate and conflicting perspectives around such events.

Ambiguous Attitudes and Responses

Without a clear legal and moral standard around genocide, attitudes and responses to mass killings tend to be more ambiguous and uncertain in this timeline. While egregious acts of violence against innocents are generally condemned, there is often a degree of rationalization, justification or "looking the other way" when it comes to the internal affairs of sovereign states.

Intervention by outside powers to stop or punish alleged "genocidal" acts is much less common. Governments and international bodies are more likely to view such incidents as matters of domestic policy, to be handled by the states involved rather than the subject of universal condemnation. Powerful nations may even provide support or acquiescence to client states engaged in population control measures, as long as their geopolitical interests are protected.

Historical Examples

Throughout history, many events that would be recognized as genocide in our world have been described and perceived differently in this alternate timeline. For instance:

• The colonial-era extermination of indigenous peoples in the Americas, Australia and elsewhere is often framed as "population displacement" or "pacification of savage tribes."
• The religious wars between Christianity and Islam, as well as internal Christian sectarian conflicts, are predominantly viewed as "holy wars" rather than genocidal acts.
• The ethnic cleansing of minorities by authoritarian regimes is often labeled "population optimization" or "national security measures."
• Mass killings carried out by revolutionary movements are sometimes legitimized as "class warfare" or "necessary purges."

In general, the lack of a shared, unambiguous definition of genocide means these large-scale killings are interpreted through a wide variety of cultural, political and ideological lenses, rather than being universally condemned.