Rebel groups’ adoption of human rights and international humanitarian law norms: an analysis of discourse and behavior in Kosovo
International human rights law and international humanitarian law (IHL) contain few obligations for rebel groups, yet those groups are nonetheless under pressure to comply with their foundational international norms. This case study of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) analyzes the evolution of its d...
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2023
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| In: |
Human rights review
Year: 2023, Volume: 24, Issue: 4, Pages: 511-544 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Keywords: |
| Summary: | International human rights law and international humanitarian law (IHL) contain few obligations for rebel groups, yet those groups are nonetheless under pressure to comply with their foundational international norms. This case study of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) analyzes the evolution of its discourse and behavior related to human rights and IHL. It then compares changes in the group’s discourse to evidence of changes in behavior. The study finds that the KLA does significantly change its language, gradually incorporating such language over time, but it also demonstrates that this change is not accompanied by improvements in human rights and IHL adherence in its behavior. The study considers whether greater adoption of these norms is better explained by a constructivist or a rationalist approach and, in particular, looks at the role of legitimacy. In addition, it offers insight into how groups may respond to future pressure to follow these norms. |
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| Item Description: | Literaturverzeichnis: Seite 541-544 |
| Physical Description: | Illustrationen |
| ISSN: | 1874-6306 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s12142-023-00703-6 |
