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Talking to the Shameless?: Sexual Violence and Mediation in Intrastate Conflicts

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  • Robert Ulrich Nagel

Abstract

To what extent, does sexual violence influence the likelihood of conflict management in intrastate conflicts? Despite a growing body of research that explores conflict-related sexual violence, the literature presents little insight on its effects on conflict resolution. Extending feminist international relations (IR) theory to intrastate conflicts and applying a gender lens to the power to hurt argument, I argue that when rebel sexual violence is public knowledge, the likelihood of conflict management increases because the state perceives it as a threat to its masculinity. I systematically test this argument on all intrastate conflict years from 1990 to 2009 using the Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict and the Civil War Mediation data set. The results provide robust support for the argument. This presents an important refinement of traditional rationalist conflict bargaining theories and opens new avenues for the research and practice of conflict management.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Ulrich Nagel, 2019. "Talking to the Shameless?: Sexual Violence and Mediation in Intrastate Conflicts," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 63(8), pages 1832-1859, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:63:y:2019:i:8:p:1832-1859
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002718824642
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cohen, Dara Kay, 2013. "Explaining Rape during Civil War: Cross-National Evidence (1980–2009)," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 107(3), pages 461-477, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mattias Agerberg & Anne-Kathrin Kreft, 2023. "Sexual violence, gendered protection and support for intervention," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 60(5), pages 853-867, September.
    2. Joakim Kreutz & Magda Lorena Cárdenas, 2025. "The women and men that make peace: Introducing the Mediating Individuals (M-IND) dataset," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 62(1), pages 182-192, January.
    3. Blair Welsh, 2026. "Talking bodies: Hostage concessions in civil war," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 43(1), pages 35-57, January.
    4. Helga Malmin Binningsbø & Ragnhild Nordås, 2022. "Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and the Perils of Impunity," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 66(6), pages 1066-1090, July.

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