This poster presentation examines the 1993 Waco Massacre within the context of other new religious movements (NRMs) in twentieth-century America, specifically MOVE and Jonestown, and their interactions with all levels of law enforcement. The objectives are to understand the facets of the Waco Massacre, including its media perceptions and impact on future NRM confrontations with law enforcement, as well as conceive what could have been changed in order to prevent casualties and violence. Utilizing existing literature, data, and both primary and secondary sources on NRMs, we argue that many of these groups have influenced one another, in terms of their philosophy and tactics. Thus, NRM’s can reflect social patterns and the potentially dangerous power of collective ideology. Our conclusion is that law enforcement has continually ignored and misunderstood this facet of interconnectedness, which has resulted in continuous and serious consequences. Many of our recommendations, such as hiring professional negotiators and redesigning law enforcement’s approach to consider the group’s divine laws and unwavering beliefs, are applicable and feasible. Understanding this topic and implementing solutions decreases violence, increases public perception of law enforcement, improves relations between all levels of law enforcement and NRMs and can prevent any further occurrences of similar conflicts.
- Payton Drefcinski, Ben Iacona
- Poster
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This poster presentation examines the 1993 Waco Massacre alongside other new religious movements that also violently conflicted with law enforcement, like Jonestown and MOVE. This poster provides solutions to bring peaceful interactions between law enforcement and inflexible/radical groups, arguing that ignorance of the connectedness of NRM ideologies causes conflict.
- Sociology, Criminology, Psychology, Conflict Studies, Communications
Good presentation, it brings to question how radical groups form in the first place. Did you find anything on how the leader was able to convince that many people to have such radical beliefs?
I honestly had no idea this even happened, which is scary in itself. What did you find the most shocking while researching this topic?
Very interesting, and nicely done! I’d be curious to know whether you think the “religious” aspect of these groups is central to the dynamics you discuss; it seems to me that it might be a bit of a red herring. [Aside: my background is in philosophy, and I’ve long been intrigued by the fact that “religion” is a *really* difficult word to define. I’d also be curious to know how you’re using that term.] Could there be a secular group that would raise the same issues for law enforcement, or are the main issues here essentially religious?
Again: really great work!
Great presentation! Prior to listening to your presentation, I was unaware that this event had even happened! Such a tragic event that truly makes us question why people are willing to follow a leader to the end.