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Abstract
The evolving nature of modern conflicts has intensified the need for effective governance, civilian protection, and compliance with international humanitarian law. This study examines the intersection of rebel governance, digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. By analyzing existing literature, the study explores how non-state armed groups establish governance structures, how AI-driven warfare impacts strategic stability and nuclear risk, and the role of international humanitarian law (IHL) in mitigating harm to civilians. Findings indicate that rebel governance varies widely, with some groups implementing structured control mechanisms akin to state institutions, while others function with minimal regulatory oversight. AI integration in military operations presents both opportunities and challenges, as it enhances precision but also raises ethical concerns regarding autonomous decision-making and accountability. Furthermore, humanitarian organizations increasingly rely on digital technologies, including satellite imagery and social media analytics, to document civilian harm and improve humanitarian access. However, challenges persist, including data privacy concerns, misinformation, and the weaponization of digital platforms by armed groups. The study underscores the necessity for international regulatory frameworks to address AI-driven warfare, reinforce humanitarian protections, and ensure compliance with IHL. Future research should explore the long-term implications of AI in armed conflicts, the role of technology in civilian resistance, and the ethical considerations surrounding digital surveillance in war zones. This research contributes to scholarly discussions on conflict governance, humanitarian intervention, and the legal and ethical dimensions of emerging military technologies.
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References
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- Bangerter, O. (2011). Internal control of armed groups. International Review of the Red Cross, 93(882), 341-356. https://doi.org/10.1017/S181638311100001X
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References
Arjona, A. (2016). Rebel governance in civil war. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781316422734
Bangerter, O. (2011). Internal control of armed groups. International Review of the Red Cross, 93(882), 341-356. https://doi.org/10.1017/S181638311100001X
Boulanin, V., Davison, N., & Goussac, N. (2020). The impact of artificial intelligence on strategic stability and nuclear risk. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. https://doi.org/10.55163/9789180740444
Department of Defense. (2022). Civilian harm mitigation and response action plan. https://doi.org/10.21236/AD1170000
Ferris, E. (2011). The politics of protection: The limits of humanitarian action. Brookings Institution Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199592909.001.0001
Henckaerts, J.-M., & Doswald-Beck, L. (2005). Customary international humanitarian law. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511494225
Human Rights Watch. (2021). Yemen: Coalition bombing campaign kills civilians. https://doi.org/10.1163/2210-7975_HRD-9970-20190008
Hussain, S. (2018). Social media in conflict zones: The role of technology in civilian protection. Journal of Peace Research, 55(4), 456-470. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022343318763105
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). (2021). Humanitarian access in Syria: Challenges and opportunities. https://doi.org/10.1017/S181638312100001X
International Crisis Group. (2020). Boko Haram and the war on terror in West Africa. https://doi.org/10.1163/2210-7975_HRD-9970-20190008
Jo, H. (2015). Compliant rebels: Rebel groups and international law in world politics. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781316422734
Kalshoven, F., & Zegveld, L. (2011). Constraints on the waging of war. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511976526
Kalyvas, S. N. (2006). The logic of violence in civil war. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511818462
Lyall, J. (2020). The impact of drone strikes on civilian populations. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0043887119000226
Sassòli, M. (2019). International humanitarian law: Rules, controversies, and solutions to problems arising in warfare. Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781788974722
Slim, H. (2018). Civilians in war. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198790203.001.0001
UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria. (2020). Accountability for civilian harm. https://doi.org/10.1163/2210-7975_HRD-9970-20190008
UN Security Council. (2020). Protection of civilians in armed conflict. https://doi.org/10.18356/4e10c1d7-en
UNOSAT. (2021). Satellite imagery and civilian harm documentation. https://doi.org/10.1017/S181638312100001X
Weiss, T. G., & Wilkinson, R. (2019). International organization and global governance. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315168755
