Militant Competition: How Terrorists and Insurgents Advertise with Violence and How They Can Be Stopped

Militant groups use violence to gain attention and resources. This book analyzes how terrorist and rebel organizations compete with one another to secure funding and supporters. It develops a strategic model of competitive violence and tests its implications with statistical analysis and case studies. The results indicate that interventions to alter competitive incentives may backfire if states are not careful.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Militant groups resort to violence as a means to garner attention and resources, often with perverse consequences. In this insightful book, the authors delve into the complex dynamics of terrorist and rebel organizations, exploring their fierce competition for funding and supporters. Through a strategic model of competitive violence, they examine how these groups engage in strategic interactions to secure their interests.

The authors develop a comprehensive framework that considers various factors influencing militant group behavior, including resource scarcity, political ideology, and external influences. They employ statistical analysis and case studies to test the validity of their model and shed light on the implications of competition among militant groups.

One of the key findings of the book is that the direct effects of competition on militant groups are not always straightforward. While competition can lead to increased efficiency and innovation, it can also exacerbate tensions and conflicts within organizations. Interventions aimed at altering competitive incentives, such as offering rewards for cooperation or imposing penalties for aggression, may have unintended consequences if not carefully implemented.

The authors also address the role of government efforts in countering and deterring violence. They recognize that states play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of militant groups and that effective strategies must consider the political, social, and economic context in which these groups operate. The book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of militant group fragmentation, rivalry, fratricide, and demonstrative violence, contributing to a growing body of political economy research in this field.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive dynamics between terrorist and rebel organizations. By exploring the strategies employed by these groups to secure resources and support, the authors offer valuable insights into the complex nature of conflict and the challenges faced by governments in countering militant threats. The book is a timely contribution to the field and will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108994538
Edition number: New ed