The Auxiliary Chamber, is thrilled to present the first episode in a new mini series with Shreya Shankar, exploring why do Non-State Armed Groups Comply with International Law? - An identity based approach In this first episode of a three-part series, we will be exploring Shreya’s unique methodology combining international law, psychology and linguistics, and largely answering questions such as: How does psychology impact the way we interpret the law? What are the legal and psychological frameworks that set out different non-state actors and compliance? How does language play a role in the definitions of non-state armed groups, and how does this impact compliance? Shreya Shankar is a Tamil woman of colour, a migrant, whose journey weaves together academia, activism, and the corporate world. She has been working on a PhD that explores how identity shapes compliance with international law, and she has spent years tracing the ways stories influence justice and accountability. Her work has taken her from grassroots communities and indigenous voices to global research and teaching. Alongside this, she is building a career in the corporate sector, where she focuses on compliance and risk management with the same rigor and ethical lens. She brings to her work a deep commitment to equity, compassion, and the recognition of overlooked narratives. Her story is one of bridging worlds that often seem far apart, showing how identity and expertise can come together in transformative ways. She hopes to continue to carve spaces where human stories and institutional frameworks meet, challenging both to grow.