Insurgency Success Factors and Rebel Legitimacy
CHAPTER 5: CIVILIAN SUPPORT
Civilian support constitutes another important factor that determines rebel legitimacy and
success. The acknowledgement of civilians of their perceived ruler has significant implications
for the legitimacy of the ruling body. Civilians award legitimacy through adhering to law,
voluntary military service, accepting rebel management of economic activity, not resisting rebel
political activity, and actively participating in public elections 209. In performing these actions,
civilians support the functioning of the ruling system 210. Effective political systems represent and
act in the best interests of civilians, and will receive support from civilians to ensure the active
maintenance of the system's functioning²11. Traditionally, states manage political functions,
protect civilians, maintain security, and provide key services. However, if civilians perceive a
non-state actor as a more legitimate actor in these roles, civilians may award more support and
legitimacy to the non-state actor to sustain their support of the population 212.
The factors that most strongly affect civilian support of rebel groups are connection to
rebel ideology and perceptions of rebel groups as civilian protectors. Civilian support opens
avenues for rebels to recruit volunteers and obtain resources, information, and shelter 213. Access
to these resources can translate into rebel military victories, control over populations, economic
control, and sustainable access to local resources, all of which produce successful outcomes in
rebellion 214.
Two main factors bolster rebel legitimacy among civilians. The first is the ability of the
rebel movement to appeal to civilian ideology, identity, and tradition. The second is civilian
perception of the rebel group as a protecting agent.
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