The role of non-state actors in modern warfare: case studies from Middle East

Abstract

The advancements in science and technology has changed the nature of modern warfare, transforming the form of warfare and the actors involved. Non-state actors (NSAs) are being involved more in the modern warfare to achieve the strategic military objective. The purpose of this article is to study the role of NSAs in modern warfare using case studies from Middle East. The study has adopted a qualitative approach collecting data from secondary sources like peer-reviewed journals, government reports and online website. The findings of the present research have essentially focused on the rise of NSAs in the Middle East, through historical records it can be seen that Arab Upsrings in 2011 and many other smaller wars in the region had created a power vacuum which the NSAs have taken advantage of to rise in power. Case studies on three of the prominent NSAs of the region have been carried out to illustrate the differences in their activities and origin and their influence over the region. The impact of these NSAs on regional stability and security has been discussed because these terrorist organisations do not follow international laws and regulations, making it hard to enforce them, the implications of global policies and recommendations to de-escalate conflicts have also been included within the research.