The paper critically explores today's reluctance to engage armed groups in peace processes and offers recommendations to address the risks involved. In the context of the globally waged war on terror, armed groups are described as pathologically violent and destructive. Some argue that, because it is difficult to identify influential outside sponsors and reliable leadership within armed groups, negotiating with them is impossible. These arguments are set against an increased need to prevent ever more advanced and deadly weapons from falling into the wrong hands and the chances offered by a widening scope of international law.