Outbidding with Ontology: Routine, Rebel Justice, and the Competition for Legitimacy

Author

Patrick A. Schmidt, University of DenverFollow

Date of Award

Summer 8-24-2024

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in International Studies

Organizational Unit

Josef Korbel School of International Studies, International Studies

First Advisor

Hilary Matfess

Second Advisor

Timothy Sisk

Third Advisor

Seth Masket

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Civil war, Legitimacy, Ontological security, Rebel justice

Abstract

Civil wars upset the everyday routines and relationships of ordinary people. Though recent research into civil wars has significantly increased the degree of study into non-conflict activities of rebel groups, particularly in rebel governance, rebel groups have not yet been seen as ontological security providers, capable of developing and reinstating some form of normalcy for civilian populations. This thesis seeks to promote this view of rebel groups, theorizing that rebel justice systems serve as a distinct space for insurgents to routinize interactions with civilians and signal their desire and ability to serve as capable providers of ontological security. Further, I posit that groups proving themselves as capable ontological security providers allows them to outbid rival groups vying for legitimacy among the same set of civilians. This thesis delves into the dynamics of rebel justice in conflict dyads in Myanmar, Sudan, the Philippines, and Liberia, and explores the applicability of the theory in each. Finally, I offer conclusions on the theory and implications for future research and modern peacemaking processes. This thesis thus contributes to the existing literature on ontological security in IR and security studies, and to the expanding body of research on rebel justice and civil wars more broadly.

Copyright Date

8-2024

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Rights Holder

Patrick A. Schmidt

Provenance

Received from Author

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

63 pgs

File Size

557 KB

Recommended Citation

Schmidt, Patrick A., "Outbidding with Ontology: Routine, Rebel Justice, and the Competition for Legitimacy" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2469.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/2469