The use of child soldiers is a growing phenomenon affecting modern warfare. Although the concept is not new, underage combatants are continuing to increase and shape today's battle space. The increase in the use of children in armed conflicts is even more prevalent in Africa. This thesis therefore examines social, political, and economic factors that influence the use of child soldiers in armed conflicts. The thesis also suggests ways to mitigate these factors. The study covers the role of non-state actors and their influence on child soldiering. The research addresses national and international laws that have jurisdictions over non-state actors amid changing twenty-first century threats impacting warfare today.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)