Hegemonic Masculinity and the Power-Centric Method of Conflict Prevention

The feminist theory of international relations criticizes the naturalization of stereotypical, hegemonic masculine handling of international conflicts. One strand of critique focuses on the assumption that security can only be achieved through forceful, power-centric methods. Earlier research has provided examples of non-power-centric methods that have proven successful. However, prior research has not established a systematic relationship between masculine power-centricity and the failure to protect individuals from organized violence. In addition to revealing inconsistencies in the 'muscular' approach to security, this chapter reveals a correlation between power-centricity and the failure of conflict prevention. This is accomplished by quantifying power-centricity in US presidential speech by means of computer-assisted textual analysis and by comparing such data with the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) data on battle deaths in US wars. The conclusion drawn in this chapter is that power-centricity is systematically associated with the failure to prevent conflicts.