Sudan's Civil War

Q: How was Sudan’s sovereignty undermined in the conflict?

A: The state outsourced violence to militias (Janjaweed/RSF), and since 2023, no single actor has fully controlled the country. The fact that they outsourced violence to control the affairs of their state shows weakness in governance, hence a lack of legitimacy.

Q: Which theory explains SAF and RSF’s pursuit of dominance?

A: Realism — both actors seek survival and power through force

Q: How does liberalism interpret external involvement?

A: The AU, UN, and Western states attempted mediation, showing collective security and multilateralism.

Q: What does constructivism reveal about the conflict?

A: Ethnic and regional identities in Darfur shaped violence and competing claims to legitimacy.

Q: What human rights violations occurred in Darfur and Sudan more broadly?

A: Mass killings, displacement, sexual violence, famine, and accusations of genocide.

Q: How did the ICC respond to Sudan’s human rights abuses?

A: Indicted former president Omar al-Bashir for crimes against humanity and genocide.

Q: How does realism explain the weak enforcement of human rights?

A: States prioritize strategic interests over humanitarian intervention.

Q: How does constructivism apply to humanitarian discourse?

A: Norms like Responsibility to Protect (R2P) influenced debates but were limited by sovereignty concerns.

Q: How did the war impact Sudan’s development?

A: Infrastructure collapsed, agriculture declined, poverty soared, and aid dependency deepened

Q: Which theory explains Sudan’s reliance on foreign aid?

A: Dependency theory — external reliance reinforced inequality and elite exploitation.

Q: How does modernization theory relate to Sudan’s transition after 2019?

A: Democratization attempts failed due to entrenched military and militia power.

Q: What does the Sudan case show about the security–development nexus?

A: Without stability, development cannot occur; without development, conflict continues.

Q: What does the Sudan case show about the security–development nexus?

A: Without stability, development cannot occur; without development, conflict continues.

Q: What kind of conflict is Sudan’s civil war?

A: An intrastate war, with elements of ethnic cleansing and militia violence.

Q: Why did peace agreements like the Abuja Accord?

A: Lack of trust, inclusivity, and accountability among factions.

Q: How does realism explain Sudan’s cycles of violence?

A: Warring actors prioritize power gains over compromise.

Q: How does Just War Theory apply?

A: Civilian targeting by both SAF and RSF undermines claims of moral legitimacy.

Q: What does Galtung’s concept of positive peace reveal?

A: Efforts focused on ending violence but ignored root causes—ethnic marginalization, inequality, and weak governance.