This timely collection investigates the meaning of the widely used term 'warlordism' in contemporary global politics. The introduction develops an analytical framework in order for scholars to understand the range and differing intensity of differing types of warlordist and sub-state conflict. The volume then proceeds to an examination of warlordism in relation to the international markets in light weaponry and narcotics. It also includes a series of case-studies such as Somalia, Rwanda, Kashmir and Albania.