Zachary D. Kaufman, J.D., Ph.D., is a law professor and political scientist. His scholarly work (writing, teaching, and speaking) focuses on a range of issues in these two fields.

Professor Kaufman is the author or editor of three books: United States Law and Policy on Transitional Justice: Principles, Politics, and Pragmatics (Oxford University Press, 2016); Social Entrepreneurship in the Age of Atrocities: Changing Our World (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2012); and After Genocide: Transitional Justice, Post-Conflict Reconstruction, and Reconciliation in Rwanda and Beyond (Oxford University Press, 2009). He is also the author of more than 45 articles and book chapters.

Professor Kaufman received his J.D. from Yale Law School (where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Yale Law & Policy Review), his D.Phil. (Ph.D.) and M.Phil., both in International Relations, from the University of Oxford (where he was a Marshall Scholar), and his B.A. in Political Science from Yale University (where he was the student body president).

For Professor Kaufman’s expanded biography, please see here.

Writing

United States Law and Policy on Transitional Justice

United States Law and Policy on Transitional Justice: Principles, Politics, and Pragmatics

“In this strikingly original and meticulously researched book, Dr. Zachary Kaufman argues that the United States has led in the creation of some crucial international criminal tribunals for prudential reasons. The book provides essential insights for all interested in preventing mass atrocity, most importantly that war crimes tribunals have been and can be a prudent policy option for the United States.”

Dr. Kathryn A. Sikkink,
Ryan Family Professor of Human Rights Policy, Harvard University Kennedy School of Government

Social Entrepreneurship in the Age of Atrocities

Social Entrepreneurship in the Age of Atrocities: Changing Our World

“How can anyone make a difference in a world marked by genocide, civil war, refugee crises, disease epidemics? With conscience, hope, and sweat equity, Dr. Zachary Kaufman and the other contributors to this book have offered aid, created organizations serving victims of human rights violations, and learned from set-backs and failures. Their insight into challenges of sustainable fund-raising, organizational design and management, and skepticism about young Western volunteers can inspire and instruct others who hope to address suffering and injustice through initiative, analysis, and commitment.”

Martha Minow,
Dean, Harvard Law School

After Genocide

After Genocide: Transitional Justice, Post-Conflict Reconstruction, and Reconciliation in Rwanda and Beyond

“This book should be labelled ‘for the mature individual only.’ But for that mature individual it is of extreme interest. It shows, far from any Manichean stereotyping, the many facets of having to try to live in an impossibly complex social and human situation. Highly recommended.”

Gérard Prunier,
The Rwanda Crisis: History of a Genocide

Upcoming Events

2024-09-30
University of Florida

Lecture Title: “Lessons from Rwanda: Post-Genocide Law and Policy” Venue: University of Florida Date:  September 30, 2024

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2024-10-18
New Jersey State Bar Association

Lecture Title: “Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda” Host: New Jersey State Bar Association Date:  October 18, 2024

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2025-01-31
Yale University

Lecture Title: “Bystanders and Upstanders amid Genocide” Host: Yale University Date:  January 31, 2025

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Recent Updates


Declassified Documents

Through submitting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to various U.S. government...

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Publications

2016
United States Law and Policy on Transitional Justice

United States Law and Policy on Transitional Justice: Principles, Politics, and Pragmatics...

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Transitional Justice Media

Over the years, transitional justice and related human rights issues have featured in many films...

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Publications

2012-08-31
Social Entrepreneurship in the Age of Atrocities

Social Entrepreneurship in the Age of Atrocities: Changing Our World "How can anyone make a...

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After Genocide

Publications

2009-03-23
After Genocide

After Genocide: Transitional Justice, Post-Conflict Reconstruction, and Reconciliation in Rwanda...

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