When Is It Genocide?

Ezra Klein interviews Philippe Sands, a lawyer specializing in genocide cases, to discuss the legal and cultural implications of the term "genocide," particularly in the context of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They delve into the history of the concept, focusing on Raphael Lemkin's work in defining genocide and the differing views of Hirsch Lauterpacht. The conversation explores the complexities of proving genocidal intent, the role of international law, and the challenges of applying the term to current events, including the situation in Gaza. They analyze the arguments for and against labeling Israel's actions as genocide, considering the historical context, the intent behind the actions, and the potential consequences of such a designation.