ABSTRACT
Despite an earlier understanding that irregular forces have been treated as “spoilers” of democratic transitions and post-conflict peacebuilding processes, some irregular forces are not always and necessarily spoilers and malevolent violent actors. This chapter provides a dynamic and detailed exploration of irregular forces’ behaviors. By reviewing existing studies on irregular forces, this chapter delineates the characteristics of irregular forces by shedding light on the core aspects, including the incentives for enlistment, internal cohesion, relations with the state, and relations with the communities. It further argues that characterizing irregular forces can provide valuable tools for a thorough analysis of the political behavior of irregular forces in Southeast Asia.
