Insurgency Success Factors and Rebel Legitimacy
potentially, for supporting the spread of democratic liberal values in Eurasia 295. External actors
intended to harness the opportunity for greater economic control in Chechnya, by initiating
economic and political negotiations with the de facto government and putting pressure on Russia
to support independence 296. Economic considerations also put Chechnya on the international
radar, which contributed to international media coverage and UN involvement 297.
The administration's failure to gain control of economic or political governance over time
contributed to a decline in the group's legitimacy amongst both civilians and the international
community 298. By the end of the First Chechen War, many of the resources and arms pilfered
from fleeing Soviet forces had been captured, destroyed or used. Russian bombing and military
campaigns destroyed large portions of the infrastructure in Grozny, including an estimated 50%
of residential housing, and 90% of economic infrastructure 299. Maskhadov had recently assumed
leadership, following Dudayev's death, and faced the difficult realities of transitioning from the
position of insurgent leader to president. His administration proved ineffective in gaining control
of the economy, establishing rule of law, or personnel to establish effective government
programs. The cabinet failed to provide basic government services, procure and mobilize
resources, or establish control over devastated political infrastructure, deteriorating security
environment, and declining economic productivity 300. The government's inability to successfully
govern Chechnya led many to question whether the de facto government was capable of running
a state and reduced perceptions of its legitimacy in Chechen political space 301. Such perceptions
discouraged international investment and assistance to a perceivably weak and ineffective
government 302
The Second Chechen War further incapacitated the government's ability to mobilize
basic services and programs. The war further depleted resources, and caused additional strains to
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