Speaker: Prof. Elisabeth Jean Wood, Yale
Discussant: Dr Kieran Mitton, Department of War Studies, KCL
Chair: Dr des. Livia Schubiger, Department of Government, LSE
Thursday, 19 May 2016, 14:00 – 15:30. The Wolfson Theatre, LSE
Abstract
Much of the literature (academic, policy and journalism) holds that when rape occurs frequently on the part of an armed organization, it has been purposefully adopted as a strategy of war. But rape by members of an organization during war is sometimes better understood as a practice: it is not organizational policy but is nonetheless tolerated by commanders. In this lecture I will present a typology of rape by armed organizations during war, one that distinguishes between rape adopted as policy (including as a strategy), as a practice, and opportunistic rape. I will discuss the conditions under which each is likely to emerge. After arguing that the typology contributes to analysis of political violence generally, not just wartime rape, I conclude with an assessment of the argument’s implications for researchers and policy-makers.
About Elisabeth Jean Wood
Elisabeth Jean Wood is Professor of Political Science, International and Area Studies at Yale University and a member of the External Faculty of the Santa Fe Institute. She is currently writing two books, one on sexual violence during war, drawing on field research in several countries, and a second on political violence in Colombia (with Francisco Gutiérrez Sanín).
Tickets
Tickets are free and available to book online via Eventbrite – tickets are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.
This event is organised and hosted by:
The Conflict Research Group (Dept. of Government, LSE)
The Centre for Women, Peace & Security (LSE)
King's College London CSD Research Group (Dept. of War Studies, King’s College London)