Introduction: Paramilitarism as a Catalyst of Perpetration

Abstract

Paramilitarism is key to understanding perpetration. Many studies of civil wars, counterinsurgencies, and genocides have demonstrated the central role of paramilitaries in the perpetration of violence against civilians. The organization of paramilitarism, from the top liaisons at the helm of the state, down to the killers who commit the violence is a crucial nexus to be examined. This special issue looks into paramilitarism in four different societies.