Schlichte, KlausKlausSchlichteSchneckener, UlrichUlrichSchneckener2022-11-132022-11-1320151743-968Xhttps://media.suub.uni-bremen.de/handle/elib/601210.26092/elib/1617This article serves as an introduction to a special section on the question of the legitimacy of non-state armed groups. Starting with a short discussion of the literature on armed groups as political actors, the authors emphasize the importance of the often-underestimated dimension of legitimacy. After having conceptualized legitimacy in more detail, the article addresses three key challenges armed groups usually face regarding the politics of legitimacy: first, they need to legitimize the use of violent means; second, for moral and material support, they depend on beliefs of legitimacy; and third, they need to simultaneously address various domestic and international audiences. Finally, the authors highlight a number of pending questions for further research on armed groups.enCC BY 4.0 (Attribution)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Non-State ActorsWarfareLegitimacyPolitical sociology320Artikel/Aufsatzurn:nbn:de:gbv:46-elib60121