The Securitization of Rape: Women, War and Sexual Violence

This book provides the first full-length treatment of the ways in which conflict related sexual violence can be understood through the lens of securitization theory. Uniquely applying Barry Buzan's and Ole Waever's theories of securitization to mass sexual violence atrocities, Hirschauer reveals the wide-ranging complexities of the securitization of rape. Using the Bosnia war and Rwandan genocide as events which set new, unprecedented legal frontiers, this book explores the inherent links between systematic rape, war and global security. Bosnia initiated the first convictions of rape as a crime against humanity, whilst the Judges of the Tribunal of Rwanda further expanded these legal parameters by viewing rape as a distinct feature and mechanism of genocide. Hirschauer's analysis seeks to provide a progressive research agenda that addresses the incentives and disincentives for the continued securitization of rape in violent conflict, and will be a valuable resource to scholars of Security Studies, International Relations, Gender Studies and Transitional Justice.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction 2. Securitization Theory - A Matter of Words 3. Rape - A Matter of History 4. Securitization of Rape - The Application: Case Study I, Bosnia 5. Securitization of Rape - The Application: Case Study II, Rwanda 6. Conclusion: Rape - A Matter of Humanity

About the Author :
Sabine Hirschauer is a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Trauma, Forgiveness and Reconciliation Studies at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Her current research examines the intersection of rape, the state and sexual violence as an extension of political oppression in a South African context.

Review :
"The Securitization of Rape is a powerful, well-written, and well-researched exploration of the history, legal status, and theorization of wartime rape. What makes the book a singular contribution, though, is the combined empirical depth and theoretical sophistication. After several decades of conversation about rape as a weapon of war, Hirschauer's use of securitization theory is both a fresh take and a smart approach. It makes the book a must-read for students and scholars." - Laura Sjoberg, University of Florida, USA "'Remembering forward' through the lens of the Bosnian and Rwandan cases continues to shape our understanding of international law, mass violence, and particularly violence that is profoundly gendered. By foregrounding securitization theory, Hirschauer not only reaffirms the rape-security connection, but also illustrates the flawed and often violent (re)production of gender. This book makes a compelling argument for the emergence of a gradually maturing universal normative framework. All readers will benefit from her accessible yet sophisticated exploration of 'speech acts' and their complex legacies." - Heidi Hudson, University of the Free State, South Africa