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Naming and Shaming
Overview of the Evidence
Our research review includes 23 reports: 2 that address the effects of naming and shaming on mass atrocities and 21 that address the effects of naming and shaming on closely related outcomes, such as civilian killings, human rights violations, and conflict recurrence. It found the following:
- A mix of findings as to whether naming and shaming was effective in helping prevent mass atrocities or closely-related outcomes, and
- Limited evidence on which specific factors contribute to the effectiveness of naming and shaming in helping prevent mass atrocities.
About Naming and Shaming
Definition
Naming and shaming is the publicizing of “rights-based violations and their perpetrators (naming) and bring[ing] more pressure to bear on perpetrators of rights violations to change their behavior (shaming)” (Krain 2012, p. 575; Keck and Sikkink 1998).
Theory of Change
If naming and shaming imposes reputational costs on perpetrators and/or increases the expected future costs of committing atrocities, it would reduce the likelihood or severity of mass atrocities (Krain 2012; DeMeritt 2012). If naming and shaming imposes reputational and political costs that encourage perpetrators to consider exiting their positions of power, it would reduce the likelihood or severity of mass atrocities by helping facilitate a political transition.