The Pitfalls of Hard Power Approach in The Search For Sustainable Security: Case Study of North Kivu Conflict

Abstract

This study sought to examine the pitfalls of a hard power approach for sustainable security in the North Kivu conflict, in the DRC. Despite military strategies, the area experiences persistent violence, highlighting the need for a comprehensive analysis. The North Kivu conflict was used to confirm or disconfirm whether the pitfalls of hard power hinder sustainable security in the region. This study aimed to address this issue through three main objectives: to analyze the impact of hard power approaches on short-term and long-term security outcomes; to evaluate the factors that influence the relationship between hard power strategies and sustainable security; to assess the effectiveness of humanitarian aid, political stability, economic development, and social cohesion in mitigating the negative effects of hard power approaches and promoting sustainable security. The key findings of this research highlighted the detrimental effects of relying solely on hard power, such as military force, which often provided only short-term security while leaving underlying conflicts unresolved. The study found that hard power exacerbated civilian suffering, increased refugee flows, fostered fear, undermined trust essential for sustainable security, failed to establish effective governance, and perpetuated cycles of violence, ultimately increasing state fragility and creating power vacuums that led to conflict recurrence. To achieve these findings, the study adopted the theories of realism and liberalism to analyze the shortcomings of hard power in North Kivu. It found that realism, aligned with hard power, fosters disparities between citizens and leaders, contributing to the intractable and cyclical nature of conflict. This theory emphasizes power dynamics and National selfinterest, unlike liberalism, which focuses on cooperation and norms. A mixed methods design was utilized, combining qualitative and quantitative data from semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, and Focus Group Discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 24, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed to identify key insights. The study highlighted the importance of integrating soft power alongside hard power, recommending that addressing root causes such as political, social and economic disparities is crucial for achieving sustainable security. It suggested that a holistic strategy, which combines these measures with military interventions, is essential for resolving complex conflicts and ensuring long-term stability. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers and emphasizes the need for further research, particularly focusing on longitudinal studies of conflict dynamics in North Kivu, qualitative studies of local community perspectives, and comparisons with other conflict-affected regions in Africa.