Armed Groups and the Politics of Legitimacy |
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Authors: | Klaus Schlichte Ulrich Schneckener |
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Institution: | 1. International Relations, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany;2. International Relations &3. Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany |
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Abstract: | This article serves as an introduction to a special section on the question of the legitimacy of non-state armed groups. Starting with a short discussion of the literature on armed groups as political actors, the authors emphasize the importance of the often-underestimated dimension of legitimacy. After having conceptualized legitimacy in more detail, the article addresses three key challenges armed groups usually face regarding the politics of legitimacy: first, they need to legitimize the use of violent means; second, for moral and material support, they depend on beliefs of legitimacy; and third, they need to simultaneously address various domestic and international audiences. Finally, the authors highlight a number of pending questions for further research on armed groups. |
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