The Cambodian Genocide

By Keith E Mueller

This paper studies the question of the role of Airpower in the prevention of genocide. Airpower has multiple roles in preventing and stopping genocide, but primarily in a supporting role, whether supporting other military forces or instruments of power. The primary method of determining Airpower's potential roles in genocide prevention was via a case study of the Cambodian genocide that occurred under Pol Pot from 1975 to 1979. This paper first discusses the Cambodian genocide in relation to the Eight Stages of Genocide model. Second, it identifies points at which intervention and prevention is possible in genocide. Finally, this paper discusses the uses of Airpower to support intervention and genocide prevention. This paper determines that Airpower provides the means to deliver quickly humanitarian aid to potential victims of genocide and can move ground forces into theater to prevent or stop genocide. Airpower can support the other instruments of power through surveillance and enforcement of approved sanctions. Airpower, by itself, also provides a credible deterrent to those who might commit genocide. Finally, due to its standoff capability, Airpower is often the means of deterrence and prevention most acceptable to the American public, as it does not place as many American lives in danger as ground operations.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025116011
• ISBN13: 9781025116013
• Release Date: May 2025
• Publisher: Hutson Street Press
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 6.1" x 9.2"