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Religious Nonstate Actor Responsibility and Accountability During Armed Conflict

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  • Robert C. Blitt

Abstract

Tapping into W. Cole Durham, Jr.’s prolific contributions to our understanding of the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief (FoRB), this article examines the complex interplay between the rights of religious nonstate actors (NSAs) and their accountability obligations under international norms. Using the Russian Orthodox Church–Moscow Patriarchate (ROC) and its support for Russia’s aggression in Ukraine as a case study, the article elaborates that state obligations to protect FoRB cannot come at the expense of shielding religious NSAs from responsibility for actions that undermine fundamental rights or fuel armed conflict. To address the need for more precise balancing, the article explores pathways for religious NSA accountability under international human rights law and international criminal law, emphasizing the legitimacy of proportionate and non-discriminatory limitations on FoRB.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert C. Blitt, 2026. "Religious Nonstate Actor Responsibility and Accountability During Armed Conflict," The Review of Faith & International Affairs, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(2), pages 47-64, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rfiaxx:v:24:y:2026:i:2:p:47-64
    DOI: 10.1080/15570274.2026.2657682
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