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The impact of child soldiers on rebel groups’ fighting capacities

Author

Listed:
  • Roos Haer

    (University of Konstanz, Germany)

  • Tobias Böhmelt

    (University of Essex, UK and ETH Zurich, Switzerland)

Abstract

Several rebel groups actively recruit children to serve among their ranks. While this constitutes one of the most egregious violations of children’s rights, it remains unclear what impact recruited children have on the fighting capacities of these armed groups. The existing research suggests that, on the one hand, armed groups drafting children might also be militarily effective, since it is cheaper to provide for children, they are more obedient and aggressive than adults, and easily manipulable. On the other hand, children may negatively affect rebel groups’ fighting capacities as they are less proficient combatants than adults and often difficult to control. We add to this debate by systematically analyzing the quantitative evidence on the impact of child soldiers on rebel groups’ fighting capacities. Based on the analysis of newly compiled data on child recruitment by rebel groups between 1989 and 2010, our analyses show that children may actually increase rebel groups’ fighting capacities. That said, rebels’ ability to procure arms and the access to resources seem to be more important determinants of fighting capacity. The authors discuss these findings in light of policy implications and avenues for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Roos Haer & Tobias Böhmelt, 2016. "The impact of child soldiers on rebel groups’ fighting capacities," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 33(2), pages 153-173, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:33:y:2016:i:2:p:153-173
    DOI: 10.1177/0738894215570424
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dan Reiter & Allan C. Stam III, 1998. "Democracy and Battlefield Military Effectiveness," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 42(3), pages 259-277, June.
    2. Bernd Beber & Christopher Blattman, 2010. "The Industrial Organization of Rebellion: The Logic of Forced Labor and Child Soldiering," HiCN Working Papers 72, Households in Conflict Network.
    3. Fearon, James D. & Laitin, David D., 2003. "Ethnicity, Insurgency, and Civil War," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 97(1), pages 75-90, February.
    4. Beber, Bernd & Blattman, Christopher, 2013. "The Logic of Child Soldiering and Coercion," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 67(1), pages 65-104, January.
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