Artikel States and Non-State Armed Groups: Time to Engage States are reluctant to engage non-state armed groups for fear of legitimizing them, and instead often label them as ‘terrorists.’ This is counterproductive as engaging these groups is crucial for the protection of civilians. To incentivize their compliance with international norms, Germany should use peace negotiations as windows of opportunity for engagement without recognition. Annyssa Bellal • 18 May 2021