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The Ties That Bind: Ethnicity, Pro-government Militia, and the Dynamics of Violence in Civil War

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  • Luke Abbs
  • Govinda Clayton
  • Andrew Thomson

Abstract

Existing research reveals many of the ways pro-government militia (PGM) shape civil violence but overlooks how the ethno-political ties between the state and a PGM might influence these effects. We argue that co-ethnic militia (i.e., groups composed of the ruling elite’s ethnic kin) are relatively loyal irregular forces that multiply state military capacity. The greater loyalty of co-ethnic groups mitigates principal–agent problems but further polarizes ethnic communities, and as a result, co-ethnic PGMs are likely to be associated with longer and more intense civil conflict. We test this argument on a global sample of cases from 1989 to 2007 using new data capturing the ethnic ties of all PGMs. The results support our claims that co-ethnic militia are associated with more intense and longer civil conflict.

Suggested Citation

  • Luke Abbs & Govinda Clayton & Andrew Thomson, 2020. "The Ties That Bind: Ethnicity, Pro-government Militia, and the Dynamics of Violence in Civil War," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 64(5), pages 903-932, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:64:y:2020:i:5:p:903-932
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002719883684
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Lyall, Jason, 2010. "Are Coethnics More Effective Counterinsurgents? Evidence from the Second Chechen War," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 104(1), pages 1-20, February.
    4. Cederman, Lars-Erik & Hug, Simon & Schädel, Andreas & Wucherpfennig, Julian, 2015. "Territorial Autonomy in the Shadow of Conflict: Too Little, Too Late?," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 109(2), pages 354-370, May.
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