Factors Influencing the Use of Child Soldiers in Armed Conflicts: Perspectives on Liberia and a Way Forward for Future Wars

Abstract

The use of child soldiers is a growing phenomenon affecting modern warfare. Although the concept is not new, underage combatants are continuing to increase and shape today's battle space. The increase in the use of children in armed conflicts is even more prevalent in Africa. This thesis therefore examines social, political, and economic factors that influence the use of child soldiers in armed conflicts. The thesis also suggests ways to mitigate these factors. The study covers the role of non-state actors and their influence on child soldiering. The research addresses national and international laws that have jurisdictions over non-state actors amid changing twenty-first century threats impacting warfare today.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 10, 2016
Accession Number
AD1020404

Entities

People

  • Preston M. Varkpeh

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Asymmetric Warfare
  • Civil War
  • Employment
  • Ethnic Groups
  • Governments
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • Law
  • Management Personnel
  • Military Organizations
  • National Governments
  • Political Systems
  • Psychology
  • Recreation
  • Social Welfare
  • Societies
  • United States

Readers

  • Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse Science in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space