Insurgency Success Factors and Rebel Legitimacy
Access to negotiations between Chechen rebels and the Russians state is another factor
that influenced rebel legitimacy. Negotiations between the Chechen insurgency and the Russian
state were common in the early years of the insurgency. From 1991-1998, Chechnya and Russia
maintained regular communication and actively facilitated negotiations, and honored negotiated
arrangements 114
The earliest negotiations between the Russian state and Chechen de facto government
were initiated in 1991 and targeted Russian-Chechen control of Chechen oil refineries 115. The
bulk of Russian oil production in the North and South Caucasus was refined and distributed
through facilities outside of Grozny. The oil refineries also served as the base of independent
Chechen economic productivity 116. As a new state facing severe economic challenges and high
rates of unemployment, Chechnya recognized the need to maintain control of oil refinery
production. It also recognized the need to secure buyers for oil production. Negotiations with
Russia facilitated both needs 117. A determination was made that Russia would pay Chechnya to
use the oil refineries, allowing Chechnya to reap the economic benefits of oil production, while
Russia continued to profit off of selling oil externally and using the oil internally118
Russia's willingness to negotiate with the de facto government to reap the economic
benefits held substantial implications for state perceptions of the rebel movement's legitimacy.
Instead of ceasing economic activity with the de facto government, Yeltsin's administration
maintained open communication, and negotiations with the de facto government regarding
Chechen oil industry 119. In allowing Chechnya the power of negotiation, Russia relinquished
some of its own legitimacy and power over the Chechen economy.
Several outputs were produced through this relationship that contributed to rebel success.
First, Russian negotiations helped rebels secure control over Chechnya's economic productivity,
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