How they fight : accountability, ideology, organization and rebel strategy

Abstract

Why do rebel strategies vary? In this master’s report, I provide evidence that strategy as a whole—rather than individual aspects of insurgent behavior such as military doctrine, negotiating behavior, and civilian administration—is the appropriate level of analysis. In doing so, I discuss competing theories and address their successes and failures in explaining certain aspects of rebel behavior. Next, I present evidence of three factors—ideology, organization, and accountability—that I have identified as having interactive but distinguishable effects on rebel doctrine and negotiations. Finally, I close with a research plan that delineates a more detailed course of study for this project.