The Politics of Rohingya Genocide: Why Non-legal Definitions Matter for Understanding Genocidal Intent

This chapter examines how legal and non-legal definitions of genocide diverge in theory and practice, particularly in the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh. The Genocide Convention’s legal definition of genocide remains foundational to international accountability and justice. However, early preventive measures have often been constrained by stringent requirements for establishing specific intent, thereby delaying legal recognition. In contrast, non-legal definitions of genocide offer a more compelling and process-oriented preventive lens for detecting and understanding genocidal intent and emphasise systematic violence, early warning signals, and political implications. Drawing on a theory-driven content analysis of 60 newspaper articles from Bangladeshi national newspapers, the chapter illustrates how non-legal frameworks, within legal standards, capture evolving patterns of genocidal intent that remain difficult to establish. The study argues that while legal definitions are fundamental for formal accountability, non-legal interpretations can offer an evidence-based, integrated approach to understanding genocidal intent and to inform early preventive measures.