Chikin et al (2020)
Gender and New Wars
Introduction to New Wars
Authors: Chinkin, Kaldor, YadavThis section focuses on the intersection of gender and the phenomenon of new wars, which have emerged primarily since the end of the Cold War. New wars are characterized by transnational violence, identity politics, and a specific targeting of civilians, often leading to humanitarian crises and long-term societal impacts. There is a pressing emphasis on understanding gender beyond the traditional binary narrative, seeking to highlight the varying degrees of vulnerability that different genders experience in conflict settings.
Characteristics of New Wars
New wars are defined by fluid actors that can include armed groups, humanitarian organizations, and criminal networks. These actors often overlap, resulting in complex interactions that blur the lines between combatants and non-combatants.
Nature of Violence: The violence in new wars is not solely political; instead, it is heavily influenced by identity factors such as ethnicity and religion, which are often drivers of conflict.
Political Economy: These conflicts involve a predatory political economy, where resources—such as minerals or oil—are exploited, leading to widespread atrocities and displacement of local populations.
Gender Constructs in New Wars
Traditional notions of gender roles are challenged in the context of new wars.
Women’s Roles: Women's roles within armed groups are increasingly complex; they are not only participants but also emerge as influential leaders both in combat and through support roles.
Masculinity Issues: The concept of masculinity in new wars is often contradictory; while some versions may support gender inequality through dominance and aggression, others may offer new avenues for male engagement that challenge traditional norms.
Research Importance: There is a critical necessity for further research into gender dynamics in new wars to develop effective peacebuilding policies that account for the nuanced roles of both women and men in conflict.
UN Security Council Relevance
UNSC Resolutions on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS)
Resolution 1325 (2000) is a landmark document that acknowledges conflict-related gender-based violence as a significant security concern that affects stability and peace.
Four Pillars of WPS Agenda: The resolution outlines four essential pillars:
Participation of women in peace negotiations and decision-making processes.
Prevention of violence against women and girls during conflict.
Protection of women and girls during and after conflict.
Relief and recovery efforts that address the specific needs of women and girls.
Subsequent Resolutions: Following resolutions have elaborated on these principles, addressing various dimensions of gender roles and experiences in conflict and post-conflict scenarios.
Gender Definition Tensions: Within the UN, a tension exists regarding the definition of gender, which is primarily framed within a victim narrative that emphasizes women's suffering without adequately addressing the varied roles men play.
Gender Issues Post-Conflict
LGBTQI Considerations: There is a notable absence of considerations for LGBTQI individuals in UNSC discourse, which can lead to further marginalization in post-conflict recovery processes.
Complexity of Women’s Experiences: Women’s experiences of violence during conflict are often generalized, overlooking the diverse and intersecting identities that affect individuals' lived experiences.
Women’s Participation in New Wars
Range of Participation
Women engage in various roles within armed groups, spanning from active combatants to essential support roles. Their involvement often reflects the context of the conflict and greatly influences their agency, impacting societal perceptions of femininity and identity.
Challenges and Perceptions
Women frequently encounter barriers to rehabilitation opportunities due to prevailing assumptions about their roles in conflicts, influencing societal and institutional attitudes toward them. Traditional gender roles may either be reinforced or challenged based on specific conflict contexts, leading to diverse outcomes in women's empowerment and community involvement.
Examples of Women's Agency
Activists like Nadia Murad exemplify the resistance against victimhood narratives, demanding justice and recognition for those affected by violence. Women often hold significant leadership roles in community resistance movements and peace negotiations during times of conflict.
Masculinities in New Wars
Diverse Masculinities
The emergence of new wars has led to the development of various forms of masculinity, which can be categorized as follows:
Hyper-masculinity: Characterized by violence and domination as core aspects of identity, often leading to vicious cycles of oppression.
Predatory Masculinity: This form exploits vulnerable populations, especially marginalized groups, amid the chaos of conflict.
Mutated Colonial Masculinity: Non-local actors may impose gendered violence as a means of control over local populations, inflicting harm on both men and women.
Male Victims: While male victims of sexual violence are often overlooked in discussions, acknowledging their experiences is crucial for dismantling societal assumptions surrounding gender-based violence.
Conclusion
Understanding gender in the context of new wars is essential for effectively confronting the underlying power dynamics that perpetuate conflict. Future research must continue to explore the interactions of gender identities and their implications on international security strategies, recognizing that transformative change in gender relations is necessary for achieving sustainable peace in post-conflict societies.