Natural Resources and Sexual violence - Exploring the Nexus: A quantitative analysis of Natural Resource Conflicts, Conflict-related Sexual Violence and mechanism of influence

Abstract: Over the last two decades, Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) has come under increased scrutiny from academics and the public alike. Despite this, there remains a crucial need for further research to understand the variations and extent of CRSV across conflicts. This thesis introduces natural resource conflicts as a variable of interest, by examining the relationship between natural resource conflicts and CRSV while exploring potential mechanisms of influence. The study focuses on three mechanisms - finance, distribution, and aggravation - associated with natural resource conflicts, to assess their impact on the prevalence of CRSV. Using a quantitative approach, a large-N study was conducted analyzing data from the Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict (SVAC) and Natural Resource Conflict datasets. In order to contextualize the relationship between natural resource conflicts, CRSV, and the three mechanisms a theoretical framework drawing upon previous research and the theory of ecofeminism was employed. The findings indicated a positive relationship between natural resource conflicts and CRSV. Additionally, the distribution mechanism was found to influence this relationship, while the finance and aggravation mechanism did not. The study emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues and advocates for a broader framework for the protection of women and girls in relation to the environment.