Journal Article - International Security

The Extremist’s Advantage in Civil Wars

    Author:
  • Barbara Walter
| Fall 2017

Summary

In civil wars, extremist rebel groups (such as the Islamic State) have often proven more successful than their moderate counterparts. Why do extremists have an edge? In countries with competing rebel groups and weak, corrupt governance, extremist ideology helps rebels overcome three key challenges: recruiting new fighters, retaining their loyalty, and convincing supporters that leaders will resist corruption once in power. 

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For more information on this publication: Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:

Barbara F. Walter, "The Extremist’s Advantage in Civil Wars," International Security, Vol. 42, No. 2 (Fall 2017), pp. 7–39, doi:10.1162/ISEC_a_00292.

The Author

Barbara Walter

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