WHY FIGHT WHEN YOU CAN RULE TOGETHER? REBEL POWER-SHARING DURING CIVIL WARS

Rebel groups operating in multi-ethnic societies during civil wars face complex challenges in consolidating territorial control and establishing governance structures that are inclusive of diverse ethnic constituencies. While existing literature has extensively studied the violent dynamics between rebel factions, there is a significant gap in understanding the non-coercive strategies employed by rebels to manage ethnic diversity and create power-sharing institutions. This thesis aims to address this gap by exploring the factors that influence the formation of rebel power-sharing arrangements during civil wars. The central research question guiding this study is: What explains the creation of power-sharing institutions by rebel groups during civil wars? To answer this, the thesis employs a comparative case study approach, analyzing three distinct cases: the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Sri Lanka. These cases represent diverse approaches to rebel governance and power-sharing in multi-ethnic contexts. Drawing on extensive fieldwork, archival research, and primary sources, the thesis develops a theoretical framework that integrates both structural and ideological factors to understand rebel behavior. It argues that ideological proximity between allied rebel groups plays a crucial role in facilitating the formation and institutionalization of power-sharing arrangements by mitigating commitment problems. Through a systematic comparative analysis, the thesis examines the causal pathways leading to the formation of rebel alliances and the subsequent creation of inclusive governance institutions. The findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of rebel governance strategies, challenging conventional narratives that focus solely on coercive control. Ultimately, this research sheds light on the complex dynamics of rebel power-sharing in multi-ethnic civil wars, offering insights relevant for academic discourse and policy formulation in conflict-affected regions.