The OpEd article by Probal DasGupta and Jason Jacobs was featured in Yale Journal of International Affairs, in the 2011 Issue focused on women.
Over the years, a rise in ethnic conflicts and insurgencies between state armies and insurgent groups has radically altered the nature of warfare. The trend has shifted from conventional wars to asymmetric or civil wars and has resulted in the continued loss of civilian lives across Africa, Eastern Europe, South America, Southeast Asia and South Asia. A United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report, “State of World Population 2010,” released in October 2010 notes that women are the worst affected in these armed conflicts.
Addressing the complex and intertwined issues of disaffection and hostility among sections of society assumes greater importance in areas prone to armed violence. Without such attention, the situation often escalates into full-scale civil war. Part of this attention can come from counterinsurgency (COIN), which focuses on economy of force and addresses local grievances through socio-economic incentives. In brief, COIN and peacekeeping involve multiple roles that include combating extremists, engaging moderates, pursuing conflict resolution, upholding human rights, and undertaking society rebuilding initiatives that help allay fears of exploitation and suppression.
Download the PDF to read more on what roles women soldier play in COIN and why are they critical.
Visit Volume 6, Issue 1: Winter 2011 of Yale Journal of International Affairs for Spotlight on Women.
