ABSTRACT

The pivotal role played by children in war is both ancient and complex. Children have served as armed combatants and in supporting roles as spies, porters and sex slaves since the beginning of organized conflict. In most instances, children are the victims of war, losing their formative years to a maelstrom of violence and destruction. But in an important minority of cases, both male and female children benefit from the upending of traditional hierarchies and the opportunity to lead their comrades or contribute to what is perceived as a just struggle for the survival of their communities.