Reimagining Child Soldiers in International Law and Policy - Softcover

Mark Drumbls newest book is an excellent contribution to the topical study of child soldiers, a field caught up in debate regarding the responsibility or lack of responsibility that child soldiers may bear for the acts of atrocity of which they are causal agents. (Kirsten J. Fisher, Political Studies Review)

Reimagining Child Soldiers in International Law and Policy provides a springboard for a re-think of policies that might be steering discussion of the child soldier phenomenon in the wrong direction. The book tackles the issue from many angles in order to uncover a more profound conception of justice than current thinking might allow ... the book has and will continue to trigger meaningful debate. Any interested reader will be challenged, inspired, set free from the constraints of conventional wisdom and cast off on a personal re-imaginative journey. The book certainly offers much more than an unpacking of the international law and policy reaction to child soldiers and a repacking into different boxes. (Nina H B Jørgensen, International Law and Policy)

By drawing on different methodologies and research from diverse disciplines, Drumbl goes beyond the traditional approach adopted by international lawyers and thus offers a broader and more detailed examination of child soldiering than other works in this area. Additionally, his willingness to confront the often uncomfortable reality of children's voluntary participation both in armed conflict and, to a much smaller degree, in atrocities, is to be welcomed. As such, this study is an invaluable source for academics and students interested in this highly topical and controversial issue as well as for law and policy-makers involved in initiatives addressing the child soldier phenomenon. (Jastine Barrett, BYIL)

... Drumbl's book is without question a fundamental contribution to the international legal discourse on child soldiering, not least because it lays bare our conceptual tunnel vision before trying to reinvigorate this discourse through the presentation of salient data from previously overlooked disciplines. It is therefore essential reading for anyone seeking to prevent and respond to the practice of child soldiering. (Leena Grover, Global Law Books,)

The international community's efforts to halt child soldiering have yielded some successes. But this pernicious practice persists. It may shift locally, but it endures globally. Preventative measures therefore remain inadequate. Former child soldiers experience challenges readjusting to civilian life. Reintegration is complex and eventful. The homecoming is only the beginning. Reconciliation within communities afflicted by violence committed by and against child soldiers is incomplete. Shortfalls linger on the restorative front.

The international community strives to eradicate the scourge of child soldiering. Mostly, though, these efforts replay the same narratives and circulate the same assumptions. Current humanitarian discourse sees child soldiers as passive victims, tools of war, vulnerable, psychologically devastated, and not responsible for their violent acts. This perception has come to suffuse international law and policy. Although reflecting much of the lives of child soldiers, this portrayal also omits critical aspects. This book pursues an alternate path by reimagining the child soldier. It approaches child soldiers with a more nuanced and less judgmental mind.

This book takes a second look at these efforts. It aspires to refresh law and policy so as to improve preventative, restorative, and remedial initiatives while also vivifying the dignity of youth. Along the way, Drumbl questions central tenets of contemporary humanitarianism and rethinks elements of international criminal justice. This ground-breaking book is essential reading for anyone committed to truly emboldening the rights of the child. It offers a way to think about child soldiers that would invigorate international law, policy, and best practices.