Responsibility of non-state rulers in areas of limited statehood

This chapter discusses the challenges that limited statehood and the emergence of non-state rulers pose to international law and, in particular, to the institution of international responsibility. In order to close the responsibility gaps that emerge as a result of non-state rule in areas of limited statehood, the contribution at hand puts forward a framework according to which non-state rulers could be held responsible for violations of international law. The chapter then goes on to discuss the circumstances under which responsibility can be shared between States and non-state rulers. The overall aim of the suggested framework is to enhance the regulatory power of international law in the face of the at times irregular power exercised by non-state rulers in areas of limited statehood.