Combating Conflict Related Sexual Violence: More Than a Stability Concern.

摘要

The common argument for military actors to protect civilians from conflict related sexual violence has been firmly situated in human rights, gender issues, and a responsibility to provide safety and security to civilians for stability. But what military utility does conflict related sexual violence (CRSV) give to an opponent enabling them to wage conflict and achieve military aims. This study examines the existing U.S. military framework on CRSV and analyzes policy and military doctrine associated with conflict related sexual violence. I apply abductive reasoning to the best explanation for CRSV, and military planning methodologies to identify the military utility CRSV provides to an adversary. I propose that commanders and staff approach combating CRSV as a way to weaken or defeat an adversary who uses CRSV as part of their strategy. By incorporating work that has already been done by other concerned international actors in developing training and strategy, I recommend tactics, training, doctrine and strategies should be developed for the U.S. military.