Governments initiate mass killings and genocide for several reasons. Political motivations, such as consolidating power or maintaining control, can drive governments to target specific ethnic, religious, or political groups perceived as threats. Economic motivations, like seizing valuable resources or eliminating competition, can also play a role. Ideological factors, including the belief in racial superiority or the desire to implement a specific social or political order, can also contribute to the initiation of mass killings and genocide. Ultimately, these actions are rooted in a combination of power, politics, and deeply ingrained prejudice.
