Violent Resistance: Militia Formation and Civil War in Mozambique

In Corinna Jentzsch's book "Violent Resistance," she explains that local military stalemates allow civilians to form militias that fight alongside the government against rebels. Militias spread only to communities in which elites are relatively unified, preventing elites from coopting militias for private gains. These militias are able to resonate with the people and empower them to regain agency over their lives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 13 January 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Why do communities form militias to defend themselves against violence during civil war?

Corinna Jentzsch's groundbreaking book, Violent Resistance, delves into the intricate dynamics of why communities resort to forming militias to safeguard themselves against the devastating effects of civil war. Through extensive fieldwork in Mozambique and original interviews with former combatants and civilians, Jentzsch offers a comprehensive analysis of the timing, location, and process through which these militias emerge.

One of the key findings of Jentzsch's study is that local military stalemates characterized by ongoing violence provide the fertile ground for civilians to form militias. These militias are often formed in response to the inability of the government to effectively address the threat posed by rebels. By joining forces with the government, these militias hope to restore stability and security to their communities.

However, the formation of militias is not a straightforward process. Jentzsch argues that it is only in communities where elites are relatively unified that militias can spread and thrive. Militias serve as a means for elites to assert their power and control over their communities, preventing the coopting of militias for private gains. This ensures that the interests of the community are prioritized over individual or group interests.

One of the most significant aspects of Jentzsch's book is its emphasis on the role of preexisting social conventions in shaping the behavior of militias. Militias that build on these social norms are able to resonate with the people and empower them to regain agency over their lives. By providing a sense of purpose and belonging, militias help to alleviate the psychological trauma experienced by civilians during civil war.

Furthermore, Jentzsch's study sheds light on the broader implications of wartime civilian agency, violent resistance, and the rise of third actors beyond governments and rebels. These factors play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of civil war, particularly on the African continent. By understanding the role of militias in these complex dynamics, policymakers and international actors can develop more effective strategies to address the challenges of civil war and promote peace and stability.

In conclusion, Corinna Jentzsch's Violent Resistance provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of why communities form militias to defend themselves against violence during civil war. Through meticulous research and analysis, Jentzsch offers a comprehensive account of the factors that drive the formation of militias, the impact they have on civilians, and the broader implications of these phenomena for peace and security in the African continent and beyond.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108837453
Edition number: New ed