Comparative Study of Child Soldiering on Myanmar-China Border

From comparative perspective, this book explores the dynamics of child soldiering on the Myanmar-China border (i.e., Kachin and Shan States of Myanmar). At the same time, this book examines the structural factors and specific relationships between child soldiers, which have impacts on child soldiering. This book reveals that Myanmar has limited power to reduce child soldiering on the Myanmar-China border, and there is no optimal solution for reducing child soldiering in the near future. Instead, the book introduces the “transnational public-private partnership” approach as a “second best” solution and proposes suitable countermeasures for all the stakeholders.

• Challenges of child soldiering in Myanmar
• Child soldiers in Myanmar
• Children in terrorist cells in Myanmar
• Effects of child soldering in Myanmar on asian countries
• International security in child soldering in Myanmar
• Limited Statehood
• Motivation of child soldiering in Myanmar
• Non-Traditional Security
• Public-private Partnership

“The book does contribute to the study of child soldiering on the Myanmar-China border owing to the previous lack of comprehensive research on the topic and Chen’s use of a multitude of sources that help to portray a broad explanation of the problem. Chen sets the stage for further research of child soldiering on the Myanmar-China border, a problem that lacks adequate research and simultaneously requires effective action.” (Timothy Francis Hughes, Asian Journal of Social Science, Vol. 45 (1-2), 2017)

“The author improves the field by amassing information from different disciplines about child soldiering in Myanmar on the Chinese border, and organizing this into a coherent structure. Readers enjoy a better understanding of child soldiering and regional affairs after reading this brief. … We recommend you read this compact volume. The author successfully organizes disparate information, enhancing our understanding of a little-studied, complex region, and thus encouraging the reader to care academically about Myanmar and child soldiering.” (Franklin Mark Osanka and Jeffrey Franklin Osanka, Pacific Affairs, Vol. 89 (3), September, 2016)

“Comparative Study of Child Soldiering on Myanmar-China Border, a book written by Kai Chen, provides a valuable explanation of child soldiering on Myanmar-China border. … As it intends to provide a good understanding and to propose solutions to the phenomena of child soldiering along the Myanmar-China border, the book could be recommended to policy makers, academics, students, and stakeholders interested in finding a solution to that problem.” (Gabriel Amvane, Website of Academic Council on the United Nations System, acuns.org, August, 2016)

“Kai Chen’s book on child soldiering is particularly welcome. … Chen describes and explains the historical context and the underlying causes of, arguably, the most acute contemporary case of child soldiering in the world, that of Myanmar. … his book provides a useful assessment of one of the most troubling cases of child soldiering in the world today.” (Simon Reich, E-International Relations, e-ir.ino, January, 2016)

“Chen should be lauded for his bold study and for making a seminal contribution to a sensitive and important area which remains so underresearched. The book is a stellar addition on child soldiers both from the perspective of regional security and stability, as well as for policy makers and students of human rights dealing with the sociology of childhood, child rights and the psychological effects of living in a ‘total institution’.” (Subir Rana, Journal of Refugee Studies, Vol. 29 (3), 2016)

“This slim volume presents a crucial humanitarian issue in Myanmar’s ongoing internal conflict … . this volume could serve as an introduction to the literature on child soldiering in Myanmar. …does adequately situate the phenomenon for students of international relations or policy studies, or for anyone one interested in an overview of the issue facing Myanmar.” (Jane Ferguson, H-Asia, H-net Reviews, networks.h-net.org, July, 2015)

“This book provides an insightful look at the issue of child soldiering. It is clearly well researched, giving a thorough account of the historical aspects of children in conflicts more generally before considering the specific predicaments of the Myanmar-China border. … The text is informative and would make an excellent resource for individuals wishing to understand or research the issue of child soldiering further. … The details of the subject matter are clear and well presented … .” (Meenaka Ramachandran, Child Abuse Review, July, 2015)

“As this book is the first comprehensive study of child soldiering on the Myanmar-China border it represents a welcome addition to the extensive literature on Myanmar politics and society. The bookis clearly structured and logically argued, and this reviewer finds it valuable for those who are not only interested in armed conflict in Myanmar but the global problem of child soldiering in general.” (Maung Aung Myoe, Contemporary Southeast Asia, Vol. 37 (1), April, 2015)

“Kai Chen compiles an extensive collection of reports and studies conducted within Myanmar for his analysis that will be welcome to scholars interested in the complexities influencing child soldiering in modern conflicts generally and Myanmar particularly. He also provides an excellent overview of the scholarly debates and tensions regarding the definition of a child soldier as well as the use of the age of 18 years to demarcate the end of childhood within international accords.” (Antoinette Errante, Asian Journal of Criminology, April, 2015)

“This slim work of less than 90 pages actually packs a powerful message, namely that, contrary to human dignity and international law, some nations and rebel groups abet child soldiering. … the work deserves attention not only for its Myanmar focus, especially as the country opens up to foreign investment, tourism, and outside scrutiny, but also from development workers and others engaged in the child soldier issue in general.” (Geoffrey C. Gunn, Journal of Contemporary Asia, February, 2015)

“‘Comparative Study of Child Soldiering on Myanmar-China Border’ is a technical monograph examining the extremely important issue of child soldiering along the Myanmar – China border. … The layout is clear and accessible. Each chapter is neatly laid out as a ‘mini article’ with abstract and key words. … this book is for those with a deep interest and engagement in the fields of security studies and international relations.” (Mhairi Cowden, internationalaffairs.org.au, February, 2015)

“The book under review focuses on the ‘evolution, challenges and countermeasures’ of child soldiering on the Myanmar–China border and is a valuable contribution to the limited research on this issue. … The book is a brave effort and a timely eye-opener by Chen that engages with a sensitive issue and provides an overview of the potential security threat and chal­lenges posed by child soldiering and the measures that can be taken to tide over the impending crisis.” (Subir Rana, China Report, Vol. 51 (1), 2015)

“This monograph represents a timely and important contribution to the literature on this important subject. … the book does succeed in providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of an important issue and, together with its comprehensive collection of secondary sources, will serve as a critical reference for students, scholars, and practitioners.” (Christopher Roberts, Asian Politics & Policy, Vol. 7 (3), 2015)

• The Center for Non-Traditional Security and Peaceful Development Studies, College of Public Administration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China

  Kai Chen

Kai Chen, Ph.D. is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Center for Non-Traditional Security and Peaceful Development Studies, College of Public Administration, Zhejiang University, China. From November 2013 to May 2014, he takes the position of visiting scholar at East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore. From 2009 to 2011, he was a postdoctoral fellow at School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University, China. His research focuses on international security, geo-strategic relations, and security governance in East Asia, especially Southeast Asia and China.

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