What explains variation in the expansion of rebel governance beyond pre-existing institutions? While studies have focused on variation in rebel governance, the relation between pre-existing...Show moreWhat explains variation in the expansion of rebel governance beyond pre-existing institutions? While studies have focused on variation in rebel governance, the relation between pre-existing institutions and rebel governance remains unclear. This thesis uses process-tracing and the cases of the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF), a rebel group that expanded its governance significantly beyond pre-existing institutions, and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A), a rebel group that expanded its governance less beyond pre-existing institutions. It examines the influence of rebel group ideology, governance provided by other actors, and rebel group resources. This thesis shows that variation in the expansion of rebel governance beyond pre-existing institutions is explained by different resources. Rebel groups interact differently with pre-existing institutions, because rebel groups govern to obtain resources, and different resources create different types of reliance upon the population. The findings highlight the role of the strategic concerns of rebel groups and external actors in shaping rebel-civilian relations. This way, this research contributes to the understanding of rebel group behaviour, and the complexity of warzones, while also acknowledging the pre-existing social order.Show less
