Insurgency Success Factors and Rebel Legitimacy
In 1991-1992, Chechnya experienced a mass emigration of ethnic Russians and non-
Chechen minority populations out of the Republic 221. The mass emigration solidified the unity of
a Chechen population, and the de facto government's ideological right to rule the population. In
just two years, the Russian population dropped from 36% of the Chechen population to 1.5%.2
By 2002, 93.7% of the population in Chechnya was ethnic Chechen, compared to 65.4% in
1991223
222
The ideological connection between civilians and the rebel movement vastly contributed
to widespread civilian support of the rebellion. A number of indicators suggest that public
support for Chechen independence and Dudayev's rule was relatively high and wide spread 224. In
Chechnya, rebel declaration of independence and establishment of the Chechen Republic of
Ichkeria was met with a peaceful transition. Civilians did not riot, protest, or reject the
determination225. Additionally, thousands of civilians volunteered to join the Chechen military
upon the declaration of independence and more were present when Russian troops entered
Chechnya to remove Dudayev from power in 1991226
Achieving legitimacy amongst Chechen populations contributed to several key insurgent
successes. First, popular support made it easy for the government to recruit and mobilize
volunteers for an army, that proved crucial in maintaining the government's control of Chechen
military bases, administrative buildings, and oil refineries 227. Chechen support of independence
from Russia helped increase legitimacy in external perceptions of the rebellion cause. Higher
levels of legitimacy contributed to external support of the rebellion. Chechen civilians also
provided information to the insurgency from 1991 through to 2002228. Several rebel ambushes
and military victories during the two Chechen Wars were achieved through information provided
by civilians 229. Civilians also provided safe havens to rebel leaders and militia during and after
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