Armed Non-State Actors and the Politics of Recognition

Anna Geis, Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces HamburgMaéva Clément, University of OsnabrückHanna Pfeifer Goethe University Frankfurt and the Peace Research Institute Frankfurt

'This is a critically important book on the significance of recognition for non-state armed actors. The volume is based on a rich corpus of case studies problematizing recognition at various stages of conflict escalation. By investigating normative aspects as well as practices, it is a must-read for anyone interested in asymmetrical conflicts in the twenty-second century.'Lisa Strömbom, Associate Professor of Political Science, Lund University'We often think of insurgents or rebel armies as operating in places where there is no room for mutual recognition and other normative practices. But this is wrong. This book shines a spotlight on the complex role of recognition practices and their often positive consequences in some of the most intractable conflicts in the world.'Volker M. Heins, Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany'This thought-provoking book explores the possibilities and pitfalls of recognizing armed non-state actors during conflicts, stalemates, and peace processes. Through insightful theoretical chapters and a wealth of case studies from around the world, it helpfully illuminates the complexities of seeking and granting recognition.'Elizabeth King, Associate Professor of International Education, New York University

• Part I: Recognition of armed non-state actors: Concepts, theory, history1 Recognising armed non-state actors: Risks and opportunities for conflict transformation - Maéva Clément, Anna Geis, and Hanna Pfeifer2 The historical mapping of armed groups’ recognition - Stephan Hensell and Klaus SchlichtePart II: Recognition during armed conflicts3 Labelling conflict groups in Nigeria: A comparative study of Boko Haram, Niger Delta, IPOB, and Fulani Militia - Michael Nwankpa4 ‘Al-Shabaab is part of us’: Endogeneity and exogeneity in the struggle for recognition in Somalia - Harmonie Toros and Arrliya Sugal5 Shifting recognition orders: The case of the Islamic State - Christoph Günther and Tom KadenPart III: Recognition in conflict stalemates6 The PKK’s zig-zag in its global quest for recognition - Mitja Sienknecht7 Recognition, respect, and identity in the discourse of China’s Uyghur problem - Chien-peng Chung8 Recognition dynamics and Lebanese Hezbollah’s role in regional conflicts - Hanna PfeiferPart IV: Recognition in mediation and peace processes9 Ripe through recognition? The case of the Provisional Irish Republican Army - Carolin Görzig10 Norms and recognition in mediation processes: Promoting inclusivity in the mediation of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in South Sudan - Jamie Pring11 Mutual recognition in the context of contested statehood: Evidence from Tumaco, Colombia - Jan Boesten and Annette IdlerPart V: Practising recognition: Concluding outlook12 From rebels to violent extremists: Evolving conflict trends and implications for the recognition of armed non-state groups - Véronique Dudouet13 Recognition of armed non-state actors: What we have learned and what lies ahead - Harold TrinkunasIndex