Comparative Study of Child Soldiering on Myanmar-China Border / SpringerBriefs in Criminology (PDF)

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 book is 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)