Genocide or Mass Murder? (02:09)

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The 20th and 21st centuries introduced international laws to deal with genocide. Genocide is defined as "the intentional murder of a group." All mass murder is not necessarily genocide.

Is Religion an Excuse for Terror? (03:14)

The 911 terrorist bombing is profiled as an Islamic attack against western society. Religious beliefs are often used as an excuse for atrocities against humanity.

The Driving Force of Power (03:41)

Driven by power, terrorists set out to eliminate real or perceived enemies. Steiner says statistically, mass murder is so enormous, people can't grasp the individual tragedy.

The Chinese Experience (02:17)

Chairman Mao's push for modernization resulted in mass famine. Hoping to lift his nation out of poverty, Mao brought about a human catastrophe which resulted in about 30 million excess deaths.

The Cambodian Experience (04:45)

Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge slaughtered intellectuals and ethnic groups. Native Cambodians died in the "killing fields" of starvation and horrific working conditions. One to three million people died.

Victims Pay the Price for Despots (04:07)

Cambodians were tortured and murdered in Tuol Slang prison. Experts argue over the definition of genocide. A survivor recalls the loss of youth, dignity and family, and yearns for justice.

Indonesia/East Timor (02:59)

East Timorese seek independence from Indonesia. The government declares marshal law and brutalizes the citizens. 20,000 people are killed.

The U.N. Intervenes in East Timor (04:17)

Witnesses recall the bloodshed. One-third of the population is lost. It is considered one of the worst cases of genocide in modern times. The U.N. intervenes to stop the slaughter.

The Pakistan/Bangladesh Confilict (02:56)

After the British withdraw, Pakistan falls into turmoil. Differences between East and West Pakistan escalate. West Pakistan attacks the east, slaughtering Hindus.

Pakistani Army Surrenders to India (01:56)

The Pakistani army surrenders to India. East Pakistan becomes Bangladesh. Millions die, but an airline crash grabs headlines. Massive death tolls may be too staggering for humans to comprehend.

The Kurdish Experience (02:58)

Saddam Hussein tries to eliminate the Kurdish population in Iraq. He uses chemical weapons on civilians.

Kurds Persecuted in Iraq and Iran (02:18)

The Kurds stage an uprising against Hussein. Hussein unleashes his wrath, killing thousands. Kurds in Iran receive similar treatment.

The Conflict in Ireland (03:27)

Famine is a low-technology tool to control a population. The "potato famine" in Ireland was caused by a fungus attack upon the potato crops. Great Britain refuses to aid the starving Irish.

The Struggle for Land and Power (02:30)

Experts say mass murder often results from the struggle for land or power, not the will to exterminate a race of people. However, it must be considered just as important as genocide.

Central and South America (03:05)

The U.S.'s desire to stop the spread of communism has damaged cultural identities. Chile's Pinochet is arrested for genocide, but never tried. The C.I.A. is blamed for backing Pinochet's reign of terror.

Mexico and El Salvador (02:58)

Zapatisatas, native Mayans, fight for equality in Mexico. El Salvadorian peasants and the working class seek reform. In both cases, the government armies retaliate with murder to repress dissention.

Guatemala and Honduras (03:13)

The fight over land in Guatemala and Honduras erupts in civil war. Native protestors are tortured and thousands die. U.S. banana interests largely dictate political and economic circumstances.

Nicaragua (01:54)

Sandinista guerrilla forces demand reform. U.S.-backed dictator Samosa responds with military might. Nicaragua charges the U.S. with aggression before the International Court of Justice.