New Wars Theory Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is Kaldo’s new war theory?
Kaldo’s theory challenges the traditional understanding of conflict which characterised the majority of the 20th century.
What has led to the new wars according to Kaldo?
Due to the forces of globalisation war is now conducted between a network of state and non state actors seeking to claim the legitimate use of organised violence
Example of a country where this new war happened
Congo in 96 and 98 included multiple militias, states, war Lords and NGO’s
Insecurity of state weakness in which their is no monopoly on the legitimate use of violence
In these wars the line between civilian and combatant is blurred and is used cause terror
E.g systematic rape
What is a key difference?
Shift away from geopolitical interests towards conflict around ethnic identity and their access to function for the state
What is wrong with Kaldor’s theory?
Fixed concept that does not take into account the uniqueness and challenges of each conflict
Evidence of the term new wars bring to static
Syria - purely local demonstrations fulled by external influences and their geopolitical interests instead of ethnic minorities
Example number 2 of how new wars is static
Wars in Middle East over IS have been ideological and arguing over how best to organise society along religious lines
3rd thing wrong with Kaldor’s new wars?
Blurring between civilian and soldier is not a new concept and barbaric methods of warfare such as rape
Conclusion of Kaldor Question
Accept underlying trend esp in newly formed states in Africa which fail to galvanise the state leading to insecurity and state weakness
What was Kaldor’s key aim? (Conclusion)
‘Change the way scholars investigate these conflicts and change how policy makers and policy shapers perceive these conflicts’
Kaldor, 2013
