Insurgency Success Factors and Rebel Legitimacy
rebel's media website, Kavkaz.org, posts weekly reports of civilian murders, disappearances, and
violence at the hands of Russian security forces 236. Such accounts may indicate justification for
rebellion recruitment.
Protection of Civilians
The ability, perception, and implementation of civilian protection enacted by rebel groups
presents another factor that contributes to rebel legitimacy amongst civilian populations. The
early rebellion organized much of its rhetoric around the grievances and victimization of
Chechens who were deported on Stalin's orders 237. The deportation order was one of a number of
anti-Islamic, anti-Chechen policies implemented by the Soviet Union from 1920-1954, the
effects of which remained in the living memories of Chechen populations 238. The bid for
independence was justified as much by a conceptualization of national identity as by the appeal
of protection from future Russian policies. The pending breakup of the Soviet bloc in 1991 and
transformation of Russia into an ethnically Russian state further exacerbated Chechen concerns
over their freedoms, safety, and role in an ethnically Russian state 239. The potential for
independence brought with it a hope for security of Chechen identity and livelihoods.
Dudayev's history as a successful Red Army general and early military successes against
Russian troops in Chechnya bolstered perceptions of the rebellion's ability to protect civilian
populations. This perception was further justified when Chechen rebels and civilian volunteers
successfully deterred Russian troops from removing Dudayev from power in 1991. When
Russian troops entered Chechnya in 1994 initiating the First Chechen War, Dudayev declared his
government would protect civilian populations for Russian aggression 240.
The perception of rebels as protectors was shattered during the First Chechen War. The
government was able to negotiate cease-fire deals, and made large efforts to reduce civilian
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