State Proxy or Security Dilemma? Understanding Anti-Rebel Militias in Civil War

Abstract

Militias are responsible for some of the most egregious human rights abuses in civil wars. This said, they vary tremendously, and some may serve as a source of security against abusive rebel groups. What distinguishes predatory anti-rebel militias from those which are more or less popular? While previous studies focus on the relationship between militias and states, this study demands equal attention to the militia/rebel relationship. While militias in East Timor were largely predatory, formed at the behest of state forces to attack rebel supporters, militias in Aceh were more diverse, and some formed among ethnic minorities against rebel attacks. This article proposes that militias created where the state dominates are likely to be predatory, while those resisting powerful rebels are more likely to be defensive, popular organizations.     

Reparations and Peacebuilding: Issues and Controversies

This introduction to our special section of Human Rights Review on Reparations and Peacebuilding gives an overview of the challenges currently confronting both peacebuilding and reparations. The special section aims to explore the relationship between these two mechanisms and examines the role that reparations schemes can play in salving or exacerbating conflict.     

Reducing crime by remediating vacant lots: the moderating effect of nearby land uses

Journal of Experimental Criminology - Place-based blight remediation programs have gained popularity in recent years as a crime reduction approach. This study estimated the impact of a citywide...