Document Type

Honors Thesis

Major

Political Science

Advisor(s)

Nicholas Micinski

Committee Members

Robert Glover, Kristin Vekasi

Graduation Year

May 2024

Publication Date

Spring 5-2024

Abstract

This work analyzes the approaches taken by rebel and criminal groups to provide social services to the geographic regions they control. It presents the case studies of a rebel organization, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and a former criminal group, the Medellin Cartel of Colombia. My comparison between these armed non-state actors is intended to explore why rebel and criminal groups respond to the needs of citizens within the boundaries of their control in various ways, as well as understand what factors primarily shape differing approaches. Possible explanations for the extent of a group’s responses are presented after distinguishing the operation styles of rebel and criminal organizations through a discussion of the variables established by a theoretical framework. My framework will be useful for examining key components that shape the operation styles of the previously mentioned case study subjects. Further research will be necessary to determine if the framework developed in this paper applies to other cases of a similar nature.

The variables that make up my framework are the effectiveness of state governance within a group’s home country, ideology, ethnicity, rate of violence, territoriality, and charismatic leadership. I use these to understand the operations and motivations of the rebel group, Hezbollah, and the criminal organization, the former Medellin Cartel. After applying these variables to my rebel and criminal group cases, I expand on the following findings: 1) rebel and criminal groups capitalize on their state governments’ lack of effectiveness in their quest to earn local support, 2) rebel and criminals use violence strategically to achieve their differing goals (ideological, political, or financial), 3) a strong ideology is crucial for rebel groups and simply a strategic tool for criminal groups, and 4) a charismatic leader is sometimes crucial for success but will not always make or break either type of group. As I conclude my research, I summarize these findings and determine whether they can be applied to other rebel and criminal groups that provide social services in their respective territories.

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