Understanding Non-State Armed Groups

Introduction

• Focus on non-state armed groups: terrorists, insurgents, militias.
• Aim: Understand their actions beyond violence.
• Goal: Encourage transition from violence to nonviolent methods.

Importance of Non-State Armed Groups

• Key to resolving ongoing conflicts.
• Modern conflicts often involve states vs. non-state actors.
  • Example: 216 peace agreements (1975-2011) - 196 involved a state and a non-state actor.
• Need to engage or defeat these groups in conflict resolution.

Understanding the Complexity of Armed Groups

• Complex Organizations:
  • Example: Hezbollah and Hamas - involved in politics, social services, and military.
• Armed struggle and unarmed politics are interconnected.
• Need to analyze both violent and non-violent actions for a full understanding.

Activities Beyond Violence

• Media and Communication:
  • Establishing radio, TV, websites, and social media.
  • Example: ISIS magazine for recruitment.
• Economic Ventures:
  • Fundraising through legitimate businesses (e.g., construction companies).
• Social Services:
  • Building schools, hospitals, vocational training, micro-loans.
  • Fill governance gaps left by the state.

Building Bonds with the Population

• Providing Security:
  • Example: Taliban’s rise due to perceived security provision.
  • Groups offer what the state fails to provide, thus increasing support.
• Electoral Success:
  • Hamas's social work contributed to its electoral victory in 2006.

Hybrid Nature of Armed Groups

• Armed groups are both political and military entities.
• Increasingly complex organizations blur the lines between state and non-state actors.
  • Example: Hezbollah’s role in governance (waste management, etc.).

Implications for Governance and Peacemaking

• Governance Gaps:
  • Non-state actors fill gaps in weak states (especially in the Middle East).
• Need for Non-Military Tools:
  • Governments must invest in governance and social services to counter non-state actors.
• Sustainable Peacebuilding:
  • Understanding armed groups helps identify incentives for peace transitions.
  • Military force alone cannot achieve lasting peace or stability.

Conclusion

• The approach to conflict resolution must focus on addressing governance and security gaps.
• Long-term investment is crucial for preventing the rise of non-state actors.