Journal Article - International Security
Dealers and Brokers in Civil Wars: Why States Delegate Rebel Support to Conduit Countries
State support to non-state armed groups outside the state’s own territory is commonly seen as a direct relationship between a state sponsor and a rebel group. But powerful states can use a third state—a dealer or broker—as a conduit for military and other rebel support. Powerful states face a double principal-agent problem when providing material support to rebels if the intermediary has its own agenda. States that fail to identify an alignment of interests with the intermediary dealers and brokers face strategic failure.
For more information on this publication:
Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:
Niklas Karlén and Vladimir Rauta, "Dealers and Brokers in Civil Wars: Why States Delegate Rebel Support to Conduit Countries," International Security 47, no. 4 (Spring 2023): 107–146, https://doi.org/10.1162/isec_a_00461.
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Analysis & Opinions
- Project Syndicate
If Trump Returns
Analysis & Opinions
- Foreign Policy
Stop Worrying About Chinese Hegemony in Asia
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
- Belfer Center Fellow Peter Ajak Navigates Challenges from Lost Boy to South Sudanese Activist
Paper
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Attacking Artificial Intelligence: AI’s Security Vulnerability and What Policymakers Can Do About It
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
- Belfer Center Spring 2023 Newsletter
State support to non-state armed groups outside the state’s own territory is commonly seen as a direct relationship between a state sponsor and a rebel group. But powerful states can use a third state—a dealer or broker—as a conduit for military and other rebel support. Powerful states face a double principal-agent problem when providing material support to rebels if the intermediary has its own agenda. States that fail to identify an alignment of interests with the intermediary dealers and brokers face strategic failure.
Niklas Karlén and Vladimir Rauta, "Dealers and Brokers in Civil Wars: Why States Delegate Rebel Support to Conduit Countries," International Security 47, no. 4 (Spring 2023): 107–146, https://doi.org/10.1162/isec_a_00461.
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Analysis & Opinions - Project Syndicate
If Trump Returns
Analysis & Opinions - Foreign Policy
Stop Worrying About Chinese Hegemony in Asia
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
-Belfer Center Fellow Peter Ajak Navigates Challenges from Lost Boy to South Sudanese Activist
Paper - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Attacking Artificial Intelligence: AI’s Security Vulnerability and What Policymakers Can Do About It
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
-Belfer Center Spring 2023 Newsletter