This review has been submitted to Soldier Magazine.
Title: Paramilitarism – Mass Violence in the Shadow of the State
Author: Ugur Umit Ungor
ISBN: 978-0-19-882524-1
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2020
Hardcover
Pages: 208
In this short but
enlightening treatise, the author addresses the issues surrounding why States
utilize the services of paramilitary organizations, what are the common relationships
that exists between them, and what is the effect upon societies within which
these organizations operate (specifically as it relates to crime and the State).
The analytical approach taken avoids idealised visions of these groups and
focuses upon discussion and assessment based upon their observed actions. This
work is an excellent study of para militaristic activity, within the context of
the modern world, that encompasses the breadth of geographic environments within
which they operate.
