Negotiating with Rebels: The Effect of Rebel Service Provision on Conflict Negotiations

• Published in: The Journal of conflict resolution Vol. 61; no. 6; pp. 1203 - 1229
• Main Authors: Heger, Lindsay L., Jung, Danielle F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publishing 01-07-2017; SAGE Publications; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Bargaining; Conflict management; Conflict resolution; International security; Leverage; Negotiation; Negotiations; Organizational structure; Peace; Peace negotiations; Rebellions; Social services; Social services delivery; Terrorism; conflict management; international security; terrorism; negotiation
• ISSN: 0022-0027; 1552-8766
• DOI: 10.1177/0022002715603451

When rebels provide social services, do they have more leverage negotiating the terms of a peace deal? The literature suggests service-providing groups may, on average, have a wider base of support and a more centralized organizational structure. We argue that these features deter potential spoilers from breaking away from the organization during negotiation processes. This, in turn, makes governments more willing to enter negotiations since the threat from spoilers is smaller. Thus, compared to nonproviders, service-providing rebels are more likely to engage in negotiations and these processes are likely to be more stable. This article analyzes these propositions by gathering service provision data on nearly 400 rebel groups and their involvement in and behavior during peace talks. It also serves as an introduction to a larger project about the implications of rebel service provision on conflict outcomes.