Insurgency Success Factors and Rebel Legitimacy

ruler over the Chechen Republic, making representative decisions for Chechen civilians in the eyes of the international community, Chechen civilians, and Russian civilians. The early show of democracy by the Chechen government posed a stark contrast to historical Russian administrative management of politics in Chechnya 103. Russian undemocratic tendencies were highlighted following Dudayev's declaration of independence, when Russia sent troops to Chechnya in an attempt to militarily remove Dudayev from power and insert a Russian-backed leader104. The leaders of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria maintained an awareness of the legitimating benefits awarded by democratic elections in the early years of the movement. Upon Dudayev's assassination in 1996, his vice president, Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev, assumed power in accordance to the Chechen constitution 105. The following year, elections were held and Aslan Maskhadov was voted into the Presidency with a 65% popular vote, over Shamil Basasev, the leader of the insurgency106 Dudayev's democratic leadership heightened the legitimacy of the rebellion movement. Popular vote of Dudayev, and apparent support amongst civilians for the independence movement confirmed that the government was acting in adherence to the desires, needs, and realities of the Chechen population 107. Democratic leadership determination also set the tone for anticipated political practice and representation in Chechen political space. Democratic leadership both confirmed and increased support of Chechen civilians whose voices were largely ignored in Soviet Chechnya 108. It also bolstered support from Western states and international institutions that perceived Dudayev and his administration as a potential democratic ally in Eurasia¹ 109 30

View entire presentation