Understanding Sexual Violence in Political Terms; Rape as a Weapon of War

Abstract

In this paper I respond to Baaz en Stern’s critical analysis of the dominant ‘Rape as a Weapon of War’ discourse. Through a conceptual analysis of three theories of rape that shift away from the notion of ‘consent’, I conclude rape should first and foremost be understood as a serious wrong. Additionally, rape should be understood in political terms; as both a product and instrument of systematic gender inequality. On these grounds, I conclude wartime sexual violence can be understood as a weapon of war, regardless of whether it is executed according to a millitary strategy.