Propaganda and Conflict: Evidence from the Rwandan Genocide

Details on the Rwandan genocide also including details applicable to genocides in general.  This paper investigates the role of mass media in times of conflict and state-sponsored mass violence against civilians. We use a unique village-level dataset from the Rwandan Genocide to estimate the impact of a popular radio station that encouraged violence against the Tutsi minority population. The results show that the broadcasts had a significant impact on participation in killings by both militia groups and ordinary civilians.