State-centric approaches cannot adequately capture contemporary political dynamics — as beyond the state, a range of diverse non-state armed actors are active in different arenas. This Dossier seeks to shed light on different non-state actors in Syria and in Iraq, that have risen to prominence in recent years. How have those non-state actors emerged and evolved? How do they interact with the state and other armed groups, as well as with the local population?
Scuola Normale Superiore and ISPI