| ID | 186064 |
| Title Proper | Together at the heart |
| Other Title Information | familial relations and the social reintegration of ex-combatants |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Baines, Erin ; Suarez, Carla |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) processes will often dismantle the command-and-control structures of non-state armed groups (NSAGs) to prevent possible remobilization. Recent studies demonstrate that in some cases ex-combatant networks provide important social and economic support that hasten transitions to civilian life; however, this literature focuses exclusively on networks that emerge among commanders, peers, and foot soldiers. In this article, we broaden existing literature on ex-combatant networks by examining the role that family relations play in combatants’ war and post-war trajectory. Drawing on 18 life history interviews with former male combatants from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) we argue that the familial can often be as influential as peer-relations. Specifically, our study shows that, first, familiies can shape the defection, demobilization, and reintegration processes of ex-combatants, and, second, ex-combatant networks can play an important role in facilitating the reunion of families in the aftermath of war. The endurance of familial relations forged within NSAGs pose important considerations to DDR policies. |
| `In' analytical Note | International Peacekeeping Vol. 29, No.1; Feb 2022: p.1-23 |
| Journal Source | International Peacekeeping Vol: 29 No 1 |
| Key Words | Uganda ; Reintegration ; Demobilization ; Post - Conflict ; Ex - Combatants |