Leading with Purpose.
Leading with Purpose.
Character Through Education and Inspiration
The mission of West Point is “to build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and nation.” Central to this mission is shaping character through education and inspiration, which the study of mass atrocity makes possible. Studying genocide and mass atrocity can serve as a powerful means of sharpening one’s moral compass and stilling the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Studying the courage of resisters and rescuers, the integrity and resilience of survivors, the essential need for respect for all humanity, and even the tensions between these values at times is possible through the historical study of human behavior under extreme conditions.
The Resnick Center is committed to character development and supports programs that contribute to shaping cadets as leaders of character, including:
Case Studies
The Resnick Center’s case study series supports cadets’ professional development as disciplined and effective warfighters prepared to act decisively and ethically in uncertain environments. These case studies present real-world examples of leaders and units navigating complex situations, helping cadets confront difficult leadership and ethical challenges.
By encouraging cadets to step into the roles of these leaders, the series builds a mental framework they can draw upon when facing similar challenges. It also reinforces character and professional competence by showing how sound decisions in combat can uphold unit discipline, prevent atrocities, and ensure that lethal force is applied effectively and in alignment with Army values.
Current and forthcoming case studies include:
The Least-Worst Decisions: Roméo Dallaire and the Rwandan Genocide
(Forthcoming)