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
Why do some rebel groups engage in inclusive forms of rebel governance by including local citizens in political decision-making processes whereas other groups rule more independently and focus on...Show moreWhy do some rebel groups engage in inclusive forms of rebel governance by including local citizens in political decision-making processes whereas other groups rule more independently and focus on little more than security and funding their rebellion? I argue that the level of inclusiveness of civilians in rebel governance depends on the group’s reliance on lootable natural resources. Rebel groups that rely on these resources are less dependent on the civilian population for support and therefore less likely to include them in the governing process. To test this hypothesis, I combine newly available quantitative data on rebel governance with existing data on the presence of natural resources. In doing so, I attempt to bridge the fields of natural resources and rebel governance. The analysis finds no support for the hypothesis, lootable natural resources show to have a positive influence on the level of rebel governance inclusiveness. The findings have implications for both academics and policy makers.Show less
