Armed groups do not only exist in civil wars, but also have a huge influence on all aspects of contemporary international relations, politics, crime, and society. This book successfully balances between identifying core features across armed groups and an encyclopedic discussion of cases from around the world. In contrast to much research that is self-contained by narrowing in only on insurgents, terrorists, militias, commercial security actors, etc., Thompson shows that it is possible and beneficial for our understanding of political violence to focus on armed groups as the key analytical concept. This volume is an essential resource for anyone interested in international relations and current affairs including students, academics, specialists, and more general readership.

Joakim Kreutz, Uppsala University

Thompson's Armed Groups is a comprehensive and essential resource for anyone wishing to engage in international conflict resolution. Its blend of academic depth and practical insights has been missing from scholarship to date, but is much needed as armed groups play an increasingly important role in conflicts worldwide. I will assign it in all of my classes and recommend it to mediators and peacebuilders everywhere.

Adam Day, Columbia University; and Head of UN University Centre for Policy Research, Geneva