Eleventh Global Studies Conference

Abstract

At the modern stage of military history, we recognize the tendency of the growing role of unconventional illegal (thus, non-governmental) actors in armed conflicts. Such phenomena is only possible in the context of accelerating globalization – after the end of the Cold War, destruction of the bipolar world system and emergence of so called failed states. Being based on the liberal international relations theory paradigm, the research proves that the modern wars have become more protracted and less intensive and shows how unconventional actors benefit from such changes. This work studies the up-to-date case of the current war against ISIS, comparing its length and intensity with the Gulf war – an example of a classic intergovernmental armed conflict – and explaining the organization’s ability to carry out its military activity through the accurate structure of its budget review.