Date Approved
2026
Degree Type
Open Access Senior Honors Thesis
Department or School
Political Science
First Advisor
Chirasree Mukherjee, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Shu Wang, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Barbara Patrick, Ph.D.
Abstract
Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) is a key element in an ethnic conflict. However, the use of CRSV in such conflicts are rarely addressed. This paper sheds light on the use of CRSV in two ethnic conflicts in Southeast Asia - Myanmar and China (2000-2020). In each conflict, there is a variation in how CRSV is used strategically. In the conflict in the Rakhine state of Myanmar, the Buddhists are using CRSV against the Rohingya Muslims. On the other hand, in the Chinese Xinjiang province, the Buddhists are using CRSV against the Uyghur Muslims. I will analyze these two conflicts by comparing and contrasting the pattern and scope of CRSV used in each conflict. I, specifically, ask what mechanisms explain the differences in the scope and patterns of CRSV in ethnic conflicts? I argue CRSV increases when overall violence in the ethnic conflict increases and that CRSV is used more intensely in some conflicts but not others.
Recommended Citation
Wetzel, Olivia, "Sexual violence as a strategy in ethnic conflict: A comparative study of Myanmar and China" (2026). Senior Honors Theses and Projects. 885.
https://commons.emich.edu/honors/885