Mary Kaldor

Definition

Mary Kaldor is a British political scientist and scholar known for her work on civil wars and new wars, particularly in the context of globalization. Her theories emphasize how contemporary conflicts differ from traditional wars, highlighting the role of identity, ethnicity, and the impact of global economic and social changes on civil conflicts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kaldor's work emphasizes that modern conflicts often involve non-state actors, making them more complex than traditional state-centric wars.
2. She argues that identity and ethnicity play critical roles in fueling civil wars, as groups mobilize around shared cultural and historical grievances.
3. Kaldor highlights the impact of globalization on warfare, suggesting that global economic changes can both contribute to and exacerbate local conflicts.
4. Her concept of 'new wars' challenges conventional understandings of war, focusing on the social and political dimensions rather than just military strategies.
5. Kaldor advocates for a more nuanced understanding of security that goes beyond military power to include human security, emphasizing the protection of individuals in conflict zones.

Review Questions

• How does Mary Kaldor's concept of 'new wars' differ from traditional understandings of warfare?
  • Mary Kaldor's concept of 'new wars' highlights significant changes in the nature of conflict, particularly since the end of the Cold War. Unlike traditional wars that are often fought between states with clear military objectives, new wars involve a mix of state and non-state actors and are characterized by ethnic tensions, identity politics, and human rights violations. This shift reflects broader changes in society and globalization, where warfare becomes intertwined with criminal activities and humanitarian concerns.
• Discuss how Kaldor connects globalization to the emergence of ethnic conflicts in her work.
  • Kaldor connects globalization to ethnic conflicts by illustrating how global economic changes can exacerbate local tensions. As countries become more interconnected through trade and communication, inequalities often arise that can fuel resentment among different ethnic groups. This interplay can lead to heightened competition for resources and power, ultimately resulting in violent conflicts that are framed around issues of identity and belonging. Kaldor emphasizes that understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing modern civil wars.
• Evaluate the implications of Kaldor's theories for international policy-making in conflict zones.
  • Kaldor's theories have significant implications for international policy-making by underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution that goes beyond military intervention. Her emphasis on human security highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict, such as inequality and identity issues, rather than merely focusing on defeating armed groups. Policymakers are encouraged to engage with local communities, promote dialogue among ethnic groups, and support socioeconomic development as essential components for achieving lasting peace in conflict zones.

Related terms

New Wars: A term coined by Kaldor to describe the changing nature of warfare since the end of the Cold War, characterized by the blurring of lines between war, organized crime, and human rights violations.

Globalization: The process through which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale, impacting conflict dynamics and identity politics.

Ethnic Conflict: Disputes between different ethnic groups that can lead to violence and civil wars, often exacerbated by issues of identity, inequality, and competition for resources.