Which emotions are considered appropriate for grave crimes? What are our main lessons from narratives of grave crimes? Is humour and genocide an impossible – probably blasphemous – combination?

A parable is a simple story that illustrates a moral or spiritual lesson or truth. These parables explore the themes of humour and genocide and what we learn from their unholy alliance.

Gerry Simpson is Professor of Public International Law at LSE Law School. He has written widely on war crimes, international criminal law, and emotions.

His latest book is The Sentimental Life of International Law: Literature, Language and Longing in World Politics (Oxford University Press 2021).