What are the five steps of genocide?

The five steps of genocide, as outlined by Gregory H. Stanton, are: classification, where groups are distinguished by ethnicity or nationality; symbolization, where symbols are assigned to those groups; dehumanization, where victims are portrayed as subhuman; organization, where state or non-state actors plan and execute extermination; and polarization, which creates divisions and escalates tensions between groups. These steps illustrate how societal conditions can lead to systematic mass violence against targeted populations. Understanding these stages is crucial for prevention and intervention efforts.