Social order is based on a balance of powers where the societal structure is defined by laws and regulations founded on distribution of relative power. A shift in power, especially in favor of the governing elite, changes the social contract and can led to a genocide where eliminating the inferior group becomes part of the new social order. Other factors such as race differences, competition for resources, overpopulation, ideological differences, frustration, internal conflicts and misperception can result in genocide. However, absolute power is the main reason why countries commit genocide. The other factors trigger and accelerate the occurrence of genocide, but absolute power or near absolute power must be present. Genocides do not occur because states break down and lawlessness prevails but it occurs where the states have total control over the lives of citizens. Genocides, for example those which occurred during the Nazi Germany rule and the Stalinist Soviet Union, where characterized by terror and violence which are the key elements in a totalitarian regime. Radical transformation of the all aspects of society occurs in two stages. The first stage involves gaining absolute power of the government. Political rivals are eliminated and control over the legislative and legal system I established to prevent opposition. After control is established, the …show more content…
A totalitarian regime is likely to kill its citizens and carry out carry out genocide. Genocide can be viewed as a means of achieving victory in war and rebellion and can enable a regime to implement genocide in order to further its ideologies. It also provides an excuse for the regime to carry out genocide. A totalitarian regime is the embodiment of absolute power. It gives more power to the ruling group, which increase the risk of genocide. The power principle provides that the more power a government possess, the more arbitrarily the government can act. Totalitarianism is not a condition for genocide, but the domination methods employed by totalitarians are uniquely suited for the commission of genocide. Totalitarianism does not only intend to eliminate life but is preceded by exclusion from public life, abolition of rights, confiscation of property, and ends with the expulsion and murder of the target