Who Owns War?

This book provides a critical assessment of the broadly held view that states ‘own’ war. The central theme of the book is that the persistence of non-state actors in historical as well as contemporary conflicts challenges this narrative. It takes a multidisciplinary approach to address a host of questions concerning the role of non-state actors, both armed and unarmed, in conflict and their relationship with states. Recurring themes are issues of loyalty, accountability and effectiveness.  Part I is subdivided into two separate themes. The first is the use of civilians in war from a legal and military operational perspective, the second the question of loyalty and accountability of the private sector. Part II considers the cases of several non-state armed actors from the past and the present, showcasing the variety of actors and roles they play. Together, the contributions to this book provide an important new perspective on the role of non-state (armed) actors in war.

Monica den Boer is professor of Military Policing Operations at the Netherlands Defence Academy and professor by special appointment in Policing Studies at the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs at Leiden University.

Jan Willem Honig was professor of International Security Studies at the Netherlands Defence Academy until his retirement in 2025. Prior to this, he taught for many years in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London, where he remains a visiting professor.

Marten Zwanenburg is professor of Military Law in the Faculty of Military Sciences of the Netherlands Defence Academy and at the University of Amsterdam.

Joep Aarts is a captain in the Royal Netherlands Army Legal Service and currently posted as a lecturer in military law at the Netherlands Defence Academy.