This study investigates how rebel tactics influence external perceptions, focusing on the American public.
• Rebel groups employ diverse strategies beyond violence to enhance their legitimacy among foreign audiences.
• We conducted two experiments testing six specific behaviors:
demonstrations, interventions (e.g., blockades), social noncooperation (hunger strikes), terrorism, stone throwing, and local democratic practices like elections.
• Using elections alongside peaceful protests significantly improved rebel views.
But terrorism substantially decreased support for rebels in the study's findings.
These results highlight how certain tactics can enhance a group's image while others damage it,
making this research crucial for understanding international recognition and peace processes.
| Rebel Tactics and External Public Opinion was authored by Stephen Arves, Kathleen Cunningham and Caitlin McCulloch. It was published by Sage in R&P in 2019. |
