Research handbook on child soldiersByMark A.DrumblJastine C.Barrett (Eds.), Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, 2019. ISBN 9781789903324, 542 pp., £45 (pb)

Abstract

Research Handbook on Child Soldiers engages with an interdisciplinary understanding of child soldiers in the Global South as well as the Global North. Drumbl and Barrett brings together scholars from six continents with a variety of disciplinary perspectives including: psychology, social work, law, criminology, political science, sociology, literary theory, medical anthropology and ethnography. This diversity is important due to the complex journey child soldiers face from the moment of becoming a child soldier until their successful (or failed) reintegration into the society. A central theme throughout the edited collection focuses on the victim-perpetrator dichotomy which is explained and substantiated by analysing interviews with former child soldiers, extracting from various regulatory frameworks as well as drawing from leading academics in the field. The book largely focuses on African conflicts; however, several conflicts in the Global North and the Middle East are also discussed. The book deals with four central themes. Part I deals with the concept and construction of child soldiers. The concept of children being born into an armed group and subsequently becoming child soldiers has not been researched widely and this is a welcoming addition to the field. Another ground-breaking feature of the Handbook includes an analysis of sexual violence experienced by boy soldiers. International Tribunals are rightfully criticised for neglecting this abhorrent practice. Also, the normalisation of child soldiering through social media and advertisement campaigns are clear examples of how governments are targeting children for participation in the military. Part II deals with the conduct of child soldiers in terms of Agency, Capacity and Resilience. This part is an examination of the agency of child soldiers and whether they have a choice to partake and leave an armed group. An important study on Islamic State of Iraq and Syria reveals that parents actually encourage their own children to join the terrorist group, different to sub-Saharan Africa where most parents will not encourage such behaviour. A study on children born in captivity in Uganda explores how these children called the bush their home and felt isolated and lost once they were disarmed and had to acclimatise to live as a ‘normal’ child. This analysis debunks the theory that all child soldiers are forcefully recruited. This book provides insightful ways to explore the unique participation of children in armed conflict. Part III deals with child soldiers and their encounters with the law. The role of child soldiers as perpetrators, victims and witnesses in criminal trials has largely been overlooked by academics. This book addresses several related aspects and explains that child soldiers should not be excluded from participating in criminal trials, especially as victims and witnesses. The book does not denounce the prosecution of child soldiers but emphasises the importance of providing a platform for such children to talk about their atrocities. Such a coherent and holistic approach is ideal as it involves the victims of the crimes as well. Part IV examines various aspects of the rehabilitation and reintegration of child soldiers. This section expertly juxtaposes the traditional justice and reconciliation methods such as voluntary cleansing ceremonies versus the western rehabilitation programmes of which many do not implement traditional methods. The book highlights that most children just wanted to feel part of the community again and these alternative forms of justice in many instances paved the way for their rehabilitation and reconciliation. The book furthermore raises serious ethical concerns about rehabilitation programmes which is of great concern to the reintegration of former child soldiers. This book is of interest to practitioners, academics and other related parties. It enhances the conversations related to combating the practice of child soldiering. It is critical and engages the reader with thought-provoking debates on the plight of child soldiers. At times, the book warns against complacency and encourages further research and debate on the topic. Drumbl and Barrett have put together the ultimate manual on child soldiering.