Mentor: Professor Joachim Savelsberg
Spring 2013 UROP Proposal
Media Representations of Atrocities: The Case of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Introduction
I originally met Professor Joachim Savelsberg in the spring of 2012. I took his course,
“Crime and Human Rights”. Hearing about his research in class spurred my interest in the
subject. At the end of the semester I contacted Professor Savelsberg about working with him on
his research. Professor Savelsberg has been published extensively for his work on genocide and
gross human rights violations, and the proposed research is an extension of his work on the
region of Darfur in Sudan. We will be working toward a comparison of media portrayals of
genocide in The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, the Balkans, Cambodia,
and East Timor with those Professor Savelsberg identified for Darfur. I will briefly summarize
his research and then explain how the UROP project in fall 2013 adds to that work.
Past Research
Dr. Savelsberg has been working, with the support of the National Science Foundation,
on a study about the representation of the violence in Darfur. He is especially interested in ways
in which interventions by the United Nations Security Council and the International Criminal
Court changed the views of the conflict. Preliminary results show that countries differ in their
understanding of the violence and their response to interventions. He and his graduate students
have thus conducted a content analysis of 3,500 media reports and opinion pieces, web sites of
NGOs and foreign ministries from eight countries. In addition, Dr. Savelsberg has conducted
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interviews with Africa correspondents and Darfur experts at foreign ministries and NGOs. The
question arises if patterns of representation of violence identified for Darfur also apply in other
cases. This is where my volunteer work and my proposed UROP research come in.
The UROP Extension
My research will identify, on a smaller scale, patterns for The Democratic Republic of the
Congo and explore how they differ from those in four other cases of genocidal violence. My
contributions to this research go through several stages. The method I will use is currently being
used by another undergraduate student, Taylor Yess, to compare patterns in Rwanda to the other
countries.
Stage 1: First, a set of editorials and op-eds will be selected from the New York Times,
published during the time periods during which the genocidal violence unfolded. The cases
already under progress are Darfur, Rwanda, the Balkans, Cambodia, and East Timor
(completed). I will be selecting op-eds regarding the DRC. We will be using a system in which
we chose every third editorial from that time period in order to create a manageable but
sufficiently large sample.
Stage 2: We have adapted a coding scheme (Attached as Appendix A and Appendix B) in
order to reliably measure the relevant content of these editorials on the DRC. Categories we
examine speak to the editorials’ assessment of the forms and extent of victimization (e.g.,
number of persons killed, villages destroyed), type of victims (e.g., gender, ethnic/tribal
affiliation), nature of the violence (e.g., war crimes, genocide), and of perpetrators (e.g., militias,
military, levels of government), and demands and evaluations of diverse types of interventions
(e.g., humanitarian aid, criminal justice, peace keeping mission). We will use a three page
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coding sheet, adapted from Dr. Savelsberg’s National Science Foundation-funded research
project on Darfur. We use these codes to identify important discussions that reflect America’s
collective consciousness completed.
Stage 3: I will then begin coding the pieces. The type of coding used allows us to both
quantitatively and qualitatively analyze the selected editorials. The coding is done using printed
copies of the articles and coding sheets. Both are numbered (in chronological order). I will read
each editorial and identify descriptions of the conflict that coincide with a code on the coding
sheet. I will highlight these passages, identify the corresponding code, and mark it on the coding
sheet. In cases of doubt the code, “flag” will be used to mark a passage for discussion with Dr.
Savelsberg’s graduate student, Suzy Maves McElrath. Suzy will review my codes to check for
consistency. I will begin coding this fall on a volunteer basis. The first half of the UROP support
would be used to complete this task.
Stage 4: The second half of the UROP funding would be devoted to analyzing the data
we collected. We will then set up a quantitative data set, using the Statistical Package for the
Social Sciences (SPSS) for a statistical analysis, software that is commonly taught in statistics
courses in the social sciences. It allows for basic and sophisticated analysis of statistical data
sets. We would use it for the calculation of frequencies, cross-tabulations, and significance tests.
I will supplement this statistical analysis through a qualitative content analysis using Atlas.ti, a
program that allows for the organization of text passages by themes.
Stage 5: The final weeks of the UROP project will be devoted to working with Professor
Savelsberg and his graduate students to write a conference paper to be submitted to the American
Sociological Association for their 2014 annual meeting.
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This project would be of great mutual benefit. I would learn much about genocidal
violence and the way it is represented in the Western world. I would also extend my
understanding of empirical methods, and I would learn how to write a scholarly paper. The
project would benefit, as this research should shed some light on the question if the patterns
identified for the Darfur crisis also apply to other cases of genocidal violence. We will better
understand distinct ways in which the world community takes note of and responds to genocidal
violence.
Literature Citations
-Savelsberg, Joachim J. Crime and Human Rights: Criminology of Genocide and Atrocities. London:
SAGE, 2010. Print.
-Hagen, John, and Wenona Rymond-Richmond. Darfur and the Crime of Genocide. Cambridge:
Cambridge UP, 2008. Print.
-Law and Collective Memory: Savelsberg, Joachim, Ryan D. King, Annual Reviews, Annual Review of
Law and Social Science, 3 181-211, 2007.
-American Memories: Atrocities and the Law. Savelsberg, Joachim, Ryan D. King, Russell Sage
Foundation, Author, 2011.
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Appendix A
Atlas Coding scheme
Updated October, 08 2012
General instructions:

Use the “FLAG” code often when things are unclear.
Catalog documents
Include the Date, Author, Word Count, and Title of each article in an excel spread sheet.
Family: History/Roots
***Include these codes if mentioned within the context of the current conflict. On code sheet, include
note if there is a causal link. (e.g. “The current conflict is a result of the civil war” or “The current conflict
is a result of cycles of violence since independence”).
Civil War:
A civil war or ongoing conflict is mentioned.
 Only use this code when the civil conflict is mentioned in the context of a
discussion on the conflict of interest. Oftentimes, there are separate “segments”
for each, which isn’t really what this code is meant to capture.
 Catchphrases: 1990-1993 Civil War
Imperialism:
Imperialism (colonialism/post-colonialism) is mentioned.
Social Revolution: The Social revolution is cited as a cause of the current conflict.
Cycles of Violence: The current conflict is described as a continuation of decades of fighting in the DRC
Regime Change: Coup or regime change specific to the conflict of interest mentioned as cause of
violence
Rebellion:
Rebellion mentioned possibly as a cause of the conflict of interest
Neglect:
Neglect of the region is mentioned. Any reference to unequal distribution of resources
(material, support, infrastructure etc.)
 Catchphrases: marginalization
Desertification: Desertification or resource scarcity is mentioned as a possible cause/root of the conflict
Family: Types/Amt of Violence
Killings:
Killings are mentioned.
 This includes ALL “deaths,” both violence-related and disease-related.
 This DOES NOT include deaths of peacekeepers or aid workers (separate code)
#Killings:
Total number of killings given. This applies only to the total # from the entire conflict, or
entire conflict to date. For specific events, only code killings.
#Natural deaths: Number of natural deaths given.
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Refugees:
Refugees (or internally displaced persons – IDPs) are mentioned.
 Catchphrases: IDPs
#Refugees:
Total number of refugees given.
Rapes:
Rapes are mentioned.
 Catchphrases: sexually-based violence, sexual violence against women
#Rapes:
Total number of rapes given. Applies only to the entire conflict.
Torture:
Torture is mentioned.
Kidnappings: Kidnappings are mentioned.
Disease:
Disease is mentioned.
 This includes malnutrition.
Violence ag. aid workers: Violence or threats against aid workers, aid facilities, and/or peacekeepers are
mentioned.
 “Insecurity” is NOT included unless an aid worker or peacekeeper is specifically
mentioned.
 Also, ALL violence against aid workers is coded this way but not in “killings” or
“kidnappings” – this is meant to be the catch-all code for aid workers.
FRAMES:
Family: Insurgency
***The basic idea within this frame is that the state has a legitimate right to defend itself against
insurgents.
Insurgency D: Actors and actions are explicitly described as “insurgents,” “terrorists,”
“terrorism/terrorist acts,” or “violent gangs.”
Insurgency P: Killing and arresting “insurgents”/gang members or intimidating the population in which
they seek refuge is a suggested solution.
Insurgency M: Maintenance of the integrity of the DRC state is mentioned as a goal.
Family: Civil War
***A civil war is a war between organized groups within a single nation state, or, less commonly,
between two countries created from a formerly-united nation-state.
Civil War D:
Violence is referred to as a civil war or a tribal war. May not be explicit (if story is set up
as two opposing sides within the same country fighting).
 Do not code this when references were made to intertribal fighting.
Ethnic War:
Conflict is described as an ethnic conflict
Civil War P:
Peace negotiations or “peaceful mediation” between conflicting parties are suggested
as solutions.
Civil War M:
Achieving peace is mentioned as a goal.
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Family: Crime
Crime D1:
Acts that are considered criminal in most criminal codes (rape, torture, murder,
pillaging, robbery, kidnapping, etc.) are mentioned. Killing is NOT necessarily a crime;
murder is.
Crime D2:
Acts are explicitly referred to as “criminal” or “crimes” or “violations of international
law.” For instance, if someone should be charged for war crimes, crimes against
humanity, genocide, etc.
Crime P:
International judicial intervention is depicted as an appropriate response. Intervention
includes arrest warrants or indictments. Also includes quotes such as “The government
must cooperate with the ICC” or “The international community must support the ICC in
their actions in the DRC”
Crime M:
“Justice” or “ending impunity” is described as a desired outcome (NOT the same as
accountability, which fits more with the aggression frame).
War crimes:
Acts are specifically labeled “war crimes.”
Crimes against humanity: Acts are specifically labeled “crimes against humanity,” or the article describes
acts typically considered crimes against humanity (i.e., systematic).
Genocide:
Acts are specifically labeled “genocide.”
Genocide debate: The speaker makes some reference to genocide without giving their opinion. For
example, they may reference the ongoing ICC investigation, which will tell whether or
not genocide has been committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Perp=State:
State is referred to as a criminal perpetrator or participating in criminal acts.
Perp=Militia: Militias are referred to as criminal perpetrators or participating in criminal acts.
Perp=Rebels: Rebels are referred to as criminal perpetrators or participating in criminal acts.
Perp=PP:
Civilians or the public are referred to as criminal perpetrators or participating in criminal
acts.
Govt Participate: The government is depicted as having participated in armed action.
Govt Support: The government is shown to support a government-allied militia in any way
Material support: The government gives weapons, training, etc, to a government-allied militia
(same as govt support)
Family: Humanitarian Emergency
Hum. Em. D:
Hum. Em. P:
Hunger, illness, lack of (clean) drinking water, or encampment of the civilian population
is depicted as the main aspect of the conflict OR the conflict is explicitly called a
“humanitarian emergency” or “humanitarian crisis.”
 Do not code if the speaker is speculating that it may become a humanitarian
emergency (for instance, with the drought season coming up).
Delivery of aid to civilians affected by the violence and by internment is suggested or
praised. Phrases such as “need to have more access for relief organizations” should also
be assigned this code.
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Non$ Problems for HE: Article discusses problems being faced by humanitarian aid organizations in the
DRC. This includes violence against aid workers (so these passages will be coded as
both). NOT SPECIFICALLY WITH FUNDING.
Family: Aggression
*** Aggressive behavior is disproportional or inappropriate use of force that is not depicted as criminal.
Captures acts that are seen as “going too far” but not criminal.
Agg D1 (violence): Parties are depicted as AGGRESSIVE but not criminal (may be violence against
civilians). This code is used for general references to violence, attacks, massacres, etc.
 Generally does not apply to expelling aid organizations (just put that with Non$
problems for HE)
 Catchphrases: violence against civilians, brutal force, attacks on the innocent or
defenseless, indiscriminant violence
Agg D2 (human rights): “Human rights abuses,” or examples of such abuses (i.e., unfair trials/held
without reason, taking away freedom of expression or punishing those who try to
participate in politics) are cited.
Agg D3 (peacekeeping): Discussion of a situation that might call for peacekeepers. This would include a
broken ceasefire or peace agreement. Include mentions of peacekeepers having been
deployed or the force size increased or decreased.
Agg P1 (give sanctions/pressure): International pressure, economic sanctions, isolation or other similar
responses to the aggression are suggested.
 Also code this for phrases like: “We will refuse to normalize economic relations
unless…”
Agg P2 (lift sanctions/pressure): Lifting sanctions (often as a reward for progress from the State) is
suggested.
Agg P3 (humanitarian int): Humanitarian intervention (by any actor) is suggested. Humanitarian
intervention is the use of force across state borders by a state or groups of states aimed
at preventing widespread violations of human rights of individuals other than its own
citizens. It is NOT the same as aid/disaster relief.
Agg P4 (peacekeepers): Sending a peacekeeping force is suggested.
 Catchphrases: AU, UN, blue-hatted mission
Non$ Problems for AP3-4: Article discusses the downfalls or problems that peacekeepers and
peacekeeping missions are encountering in region from the State govt
 Includes violence or attacks on peacekeepers, which should be coded here AND in
Violence against Aid Workers
Agg M1:
End disproportional violence and human rights abuses
 Catchphrases: Establish “stability” or “security”; protect civilians
Agg M2 (account): Hold those responsible for the violence accountable to end the violence and to fix its
aftermath.
Agg=PP:
Popular participation of civilians (non-military) as aggressors is mentioned
Agg=Militia:
State associated or sponsored militias are depicted as aggressors
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Agg=State:
Agg=Rebels:

Includes armed groups with specific reference to state support
State government or their military is depicted as the aggressor.
 Catchphrases: Presidential Guard
Rebels are depicted as aggressors.
Family: Past Atrocities
*** Code these variables when past atrocities are referenced in the context of the conflict of interest
(NOT as their own separate segments of the speech). Past humanitarian emergencies or wars should not
be coded; this variable is mainly focused on past genocides, crimes against humanity, and similar
atrocities.
Past Atrocities: Use this code as a general “flag” for references to past atrocities, then use the following
variables to specify which atrocity is being referenced.
Cambodia
Holocaust
Rwanda
The Congo
Yugoslavia (includes Srebranica, the Balkans, Kosovo)
Other PA
Mimetic:
Violence is mentioned as equal or equivalent to past atrocity.
Contextual:
Violence is mentioned as having similar contextual conditions (type of war, weak
command structure, etc.) as another conflict or event.
Prognostic:
Document forecasts that the violence in the conflict of interest will produce similar
outcome (loss, public support, etc.) as a past event.
Challenge:
Document contrasts the conflict of interest with another atrocity.
Family: IJI Actions
General Judicial: Assign this variable anytime International judicial intervention is mentioned. Other
codes are then used to specify.
UN Res:
Reference to UN Resolution that established international commission of inquiry on
conflict
Comm. Report: Reference to UN Commission Report on conflict
IJI Ref:
Reference to case referred to International Tribunal
Req. warrant (Conflict): Prosecutor requests warrant for arrest
Issue warrant (Conflict): warrant for arrest issued
Initial appearance: Defendant to appear before court for the first time
Family: OTHER
Atrocities: Assign this code whenever the violence is referred to as “atrocities.”
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Race/Ethnic motive: People are targeted with violence for ethnic/racial reasons.
Ethnic Cleansing: Assign this code whenever the violence is specifically called “ethnic cleansing.”
Outside source: Added to certain quotations when they reflect opinions or actions taken or supported by
one other than the newspaper or author of interest. For example: “The government of
France called the situation ‘tribal conflicts’.” Also used when something is referenced
but not outright supported by the newspaper (i.e., “There are allegations of genocide.”)
List this under “source” on coding sheet.
Dramatic effect: In depth depiction of killing or other form of violence as an illustration of the violence
Other interesting points: Apply this code whenever something particularly interesting is found that does
not fit in the code scheme.
FLAG: Use this code whenever you are not sure what to code. Then you can run a query on it later and
ask someone else.
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Appendix B
Newspaper coding sheet
Updated November, 20 2011
Family: History/Roots
Source
Civil War:
Imperialism:
Social Revolution:
Cycles of Violence:
Regime Change:
Rebellion:
Neglect:
Desertification:
Family: Types/Amt of Violence
Killings:
#Killings:
#Natural deaths:
Refugees:
#Refugees:
Rapes:
#Rapes:
Torture:
Kidnappings:
Disease:
Violence ag. aid workers:
Family: Insurgency
Insurgency D:
Insurgency P:
Insurgency M:
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Family: Civil War
Civil War D:
Ethnic War:
Civil War P:
Civil War M:
Family: Crime
Crime D1:
Crime D2:
Crime P:
Crime M:
War crimes:
Crimes against humanity:
Genocide:
Genocide debate:
Perp=State:
Perp=Militia:
Perp=Rebels:
Perp=PP:
Govt Participate:
Govt Support:
Material support:
Family: Humanitarian Emergency
Hum. Em. D:
Hum. Em. P:
Non$ Problems for HE:
Family: Aggression
Agg D1 (violence):
Agg D2 (human rights):
Agg D3 (peacekeeping):
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Agg P1 (give sanctions/pressure):
Agg P2 (lift sanctions/pressure):
Agg P3 (humanitarian int):
Agg P4 (peacekeepers):
Agg M1:
Agg M2 (account):
Agg=PP:
Agg=Militia:
Agg=State:
Agg=Rebels:
Family: Past Atrocities
Past Atrocities (include name):
Mimetic:
Contextual:
Prognostic:
Challenge:
Family: IJI Actions
General Judicial:
UN Res:
Comm. Report:
IJI Ref:
Req. warrant (Conflict):
Issue warrant (Conflict):
Initial appearance:
Family: OTHER
Atrocities:
Race/Ethnic motive:
Ethnic Cleansing:
Outside source:
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Dramatic effect:
FLAG:
Additional Notes:
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