10 - Conclusion

Summary

The book concludes in Chapter 10 with an analysis of the options for the design of strategies for war economy regulation, both in the war zone as well as with respect to the global flows that intersect with violent conflict. The chapter argues that, whether in the defense of human rights, the regulation of armed conflict, or the preservation of international peace and security, there is ample normative content in international law to regulate predatory economic behaviour in the context of irregular warfare. In addition, international institutions have developed an unexpectedly dense body of administrative practice relevant for the regulation of these war economies. However, the normative content and administrative practice remain fragmented and biased in their application. Despite signs of normative coherence in the system, there is at present no consensus on a regulatory strategy for responding to the economic dimensions of today’s wars.