Insurgency Success Factors and Rebel Legitimacy
Rebel creation, adherence to, and management of law have strong effects on external
perceptions of legitimacy 266. Rebel implementation of democratic principles, protection of
civilians, and stable political practices in law bolster rebel legitimacy in the eyes of the
international community 267. Implementation of sharia law, authoritarian rule, or failure to
introduce legal measures that protect civilians can reduce perceptions of legitimate amongst
"legitimate" actors. However, laws can also appeal to "illegitimate” external actors by
conforming to their ideals and beliefs. For example, al-Qaeda encouraged the implementation of
sharia law into Chechen legal structures, which boosted the rebel group's legitimacy amongst
Islamist organizations 268. Legal determinations can solidify Islamist perceptions of the rebellion
as an Islamist organization, encouraging support from Islamist institutions. Similarly, the
development of laws that allow civilian voice, ensure civilian freedom and protection, and
incorporate civilian needs contributes to higher levels of civilian legitimacy, and open avenues to
civilian support269. For example, pro-Chechen laws in the early Chechen constitution contributed
to civilian support of the rebellion in its early years. The development of laws to protect
civilians, and the de facto government's maintenance of the law confirmed the de facto
government's support, and presented a shift from Soviet law, that failed to secure the rights and
safety of Chechen populations and Islamic practices.
Adherence to law also affects rebel legitimacy. Creation of law is just a piece of
establishing an effective legal system. Whether a rebel group follows and implements their laws
contributes to evaluations of their ability to act as a legitimate political actor 270. Rebel action
taken in accordance to law may be perceived as more justifiable than action taken outside of law.
For example, groups that have established codes for punishment are more likely to be viewed as
legitimate in enacting punishment against an actor, if punishment and the crime are in line with
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