Civilian resistance to rebel governance

What explains the emergence of civilian resistance to governance by a non-state armed actor? Why does it take a particular form? This chapter theorizes the origins of different types of civilian resistance against rebel rule. It argues that some form of resistance emerges against all rebel governance – as with any kind of rule. Whether such resistance is against certain aspects of rebel governance – partial resistance – or against governance altogether – full resistance – depends on the armed group's scope of rule and the quality of local institutions in place prior to the arrival of the group at the area. Whereas partial resistance is ubiquitous in rebel governments, full resistance tends to emerge only when (i) rebels (or counter-rebels) attempt to establish an interventionist rule, and (ii) pre-existing institutions are both legitimate and effective. This chapter illustrates the feasibility of the argument by presenting both quantitative and qualitative original evidence on Colombian local communities where guerrilla or paramilitary groups have operated.