Architectures of Violence and Atrocity

Abstract

Almost all states use paramilitary groups, but even the most militarised regimes shy away from parading their covert and clandestine purveyors of violence. Therefore, despite the prevalence of armed formations that exist outside formal armies, understanding how these groups operate remains a challenge for global peacekeeping, civilian protection, and atrocity prevention efforts. As this chapter explains, the problem arises when extra-ordinary units participate, and do so apparently independently of state or other external control. The ambiguity of command can conceal the intentions that sometimes lie behind the participation and objectives of those groups, thereby obscuring responsibility and accountability. It is for these reasons that irregular combatants have, in various guises, been present during virtually every case of genocide in the twentieth century.