Why do militant groups sometimes become rivals, even when they share similar identities or political goals? Competition from Within: Ethnicity, Power, and Militant Group Rivalry explores this question by examining how ethnic identity and differences in power can shape relationships between militant organisations.
Militant groups do not operate independently. They exist within wider networks of alliances, rivalries, and relationships with other organisations. These connections can influence how groups behave and whether they become competitors. The article examines how shared ethnic identities and differences in organisational power can contribute to rivalry between militant groups.
Drawing on data on militant group rivalry in Africa and Asia since 1990, the article considers the conditions under which militant organisations are more likely to become rivals. Its analysis highlights the importance of looking not only at conflicts between states and militant groups, but also at competition and relationships between militant organisations themselves.A particularly valuable feature of the article is its attention to the role of power and ethnicity in shaping intergroup rivalry. By examining how these factors interact, the study provides a broader perspective on why militant groups compete with one another and how these relationships can contribute to patterns of political violence.
Competition from Within offers a detailed contribution to the study of militant organisations, conflict, and political violence. It will be of interest to academics, students, researchers, and policy practitioners seeking to understand the relationships and dynamics that shape militant group behaviour.
Citation: Conrad, Justin, Kevin T. Greene, Brian J. Phillips, and Samantha Daly. “Competition from Within: Ethnicity, Power, and Militant Group Rivalry.” Defence and Peace Economics, 32(6), 2021, pp. 757–772.
