Theses and Dissertations
Issuing Body
Mississippi State University
Advisor
Tkach, Benjamin
Committee Member
Holmes, Carolyn E.
Committee Member
Nukpezah, Julius
Date of Degree
4-30-2021
Original embargo terms
Visible to MSU only for 2 years
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Political Science
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
College
College of Arts and Sciences
College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Department
Department of Political Science and Public Administration
Department
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Abstract
When and why do rebels hire private military actors? I argue that rebels are more likely to hire private military actors under the conditions of power asymmetry, rebel competition, the presence of lootable resources and when rebel groups have effective leadership and organizational structures. I test three hypotheses empirically using the PSED dataset which identifies that rebel hired private military actors account for nearly 10% of all PMSC/mercenary employers in Africa, Latin America, and Asia from 1990-2012. I find strong empirical support that power imbalances between rebel groups and government, and the presence of lootable resources increases the likelihood of employment. Counter to my expectations, I find that rebel competition reduces hiring. A qualitative analysis shows that rebel groups with parent organizations are more likely to hire private military actors.
Recommended Citation
Eduonoo, Margaret Mparebea, "Rebel groups privatizing security? Explaining why rebel groups hire private military actors" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 5101.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/5101