Armed Groups and International Legitimacy: Child Soldiers in Intra-State Conflict

This book examines the issue of child soldiers in order to understand how armed groups engage with international organizations to gain international legitimacy. It argues that armed groups engage with international organizations to show they are following the laws of war and establish a typology of which groups will engage with international actors and follow the laws of war. The main aim of the book is to understand the rationality of even the most violent of actors and to understand when and how armed groups can be encouraged to follow the laws of war.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive analysis delves into the complex issue of child soldiers, shedding light on how armed groups interact with international organizations to attain international legitimacy. By examining the contrasting behaviors of certain armed groups, the book aims to understand why some adhere to international humanitarian law while others deviate from it. Through a detailed examination of the topic, the volume establishes a typology that categorizes which groups are likely to engage with international actors and adhere to the laws of war, while also identifying those that may choose to disregard these principles.

The primary objective of this book is to delve into the rationality of even the most violent actors and explore the circumstances under which armed groups can be encouraged to align with international legal frameworks. Drawing from extensive primary research conducted among armed groups in Syria and Myanmar, including al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, and various small ethnic insurgent groups, the book provides a rich and insightful perspective on the topic.

This book will appeal to students and scholars of war and conflict studies, security studies, international humanitarian law, and International Relations. It offers valuable insights into the dynamics of armed groups, their interactions with international organizations, and the implications of their actions on the broader international landscape. By examining the issue of child soldiers through a multidisciplinary lens, the book contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics of armed conflicts and the challenges posed by the use of child soldiers.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367649395