non-state armed groups

When formal governance structures collapse during war, non-state armed groups—often composed of powerful families, neighborhood committees, and other armed social networks—can expand to fill the resulting security vacuum.

State actors may provide arms, humanitarian aid, and intelligence (including drone intelligence) to non-state armed groups as a strategy to weaken an adversary, which can alter local power dynamics and the capacity of those groups.

Indirect negotiations between a state and a non-state armed group are commonly conducted through third-party intermediaries, including regional and international actors.

Military strikes targeting senior leaders of non-state armed groups on the territory of a third country can provoke diplomatic friction with allied states.

States that host the political leadership of a non-state armed group can provide that group with political and diplomatic cover, and withdrawing hosting or diplomatic support can be used as leverage against the group.

Coordinated pressure by multiple regional states can alter the strategic decisions of a non-state armed group more effectively than isolated actions by a single state.

Non-state armed groups often resist hostage-exchange or ceasefire deals because they fear the opposing state will resume hostilities after hostages are released.

Direct, in-person assurances from high-level external envoys can reduce trust deficits and increase the likelihood that non-state armed groups will comply with negotiated agreements.

Establishing a viable alternative governing authority can undermine the political power or influence of non-state armed groups.

Ceasefire agreements between states and non-state armed groups can include provisions such as exchanging detained persons, releasing living hostages in return for prisoners or wartime detainees, withdrawing forces to designated lines, suspending offensive operations, and increasing humanitarian aid access.

Demilitarization in post-conflict transitions typically involves disarming non-state armed groups, and withdrawal of military forces is often tied to agreed standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to progress on demilitarization.