Working Paper No.14. "Since I am a Dog, Beware my Fangs": Beyond a 'rational violence' framework in the Sierra Leonean war.

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 January 2002
Country:
Sierra Leone
Document Type:
Working Paper
Theme:
Governance and Conflict
Authors:
Keen, D.

Abstract

In his paper, David Keen goes beyond the confines of a 'rational violence' framework and proposes a model that helps to explain the occurrence of widespread violence against civilians during a civil war. In assessing violence induced by military soldiers and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels in Sierra Leone, Keen's three-stage model suggests that violence may be a product of human emotions, such as shame, anger and fear. The emotions and views of combatants need to be taken seriously if abuses are to be minimised.

Citation

Keen, D. Working Paper No.14. "Since I am a Dog, Beware my Fangs": Beyond a ‘rational violence’ framework in the Sierra Leonean war. (2002) 24 pp.

Working Paper No.14. “Since I am a Dog, Beware my Fangs”: Beyond a ‘rational violence’ framework in the Sierra Leonean war.

Published 1 January 2002
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