"Gaza, Genocide, and Academic Freedom (Routledge Studies in Genocide and Crimes against Humanity)" by David Moshman. My rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Published in 2026.

Book description: This book analyzes Israeli military actions in Gaza following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, offering a rigorous assessment through the lens of genocide studies. Drawing on established theoretical frameworks, the author demonstrates how these events align with recognized definitions of genocide, challenging readers to confront difficult questions about collective violence and responsibility. The analysis explores how Israeli actions are shaped by historical trauma, particularly the Holocaust, and fears that Palestinian control of the same area would threaten Jewish existence. The book reveals the mechanisms enabling mass identity polarization, dehumanization, and psychological denial that preserves moral self-image.

This book is about so much more than genocide and even the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. It is about genocide, what it is, how it comes about, and how society has always, for the most part, justified it to avoid culpability or accountability. It was fascinating. Highly recommend.

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