Honors Theses
Date of Award
2016
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Croft Institute for International Studies
First Advisor
Yael Zeira
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
This thesis aims to contribute to the filling of a theoretical lacuna by asking: what role do ethnic ties play in rebel groups' efforts to lobby for state support? Researchers have examined many facets of state support for armed rebel groups. Most literature on this topic has been dedicated to decision calculi of states choosing to support rebel groups. However, comparatively little has been said about the other side of this relationship: the demand for these goods and services by rebel groups themselves. Salehyan, Gleditsch, and Cunningham (2011) introduce the concept of the demand side into the literature, maintaining that rebel organizations [must] evaluate the costs and benefits of accepting external support. However, despite the fact that the role of ethnic ties in civil war and its internationalization have been thoroughly examined, no scholars have sought to explore the role of these ties in the demand side of the state-armed group relationship. I hypothesize thus that rebel groups that share an ethnic tie with the majority of a state's ruling coalition and/or population are more likely to lobby them for support. I also maintain that said lobbying will strategically invoke shared ethnic ties and historical memories, framing appeals in ethnic terms. I find that such ethnic framing is more salient in lobbying diaspora and refugee populations for support than states. States were lobbied through other means, including the invocation of ideological frames. This work's contribution and aim is to start a broader conversation on the role of the demand side in state support and framing processes in rebel diplomacy
Recommended Citation
Somgynari, Connor, "Their Brothers' Keepers? Ethnicity, Rebel Diplomacy, and State Support for Insurgency" (2016). Honors Theses. 224.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/224
Accessibility Status
Searchable text
Comments
A thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for completion of the Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from the Croft Institute for International Studies and the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College.