Description
Civil wars and suicide terrorism has long been treated in separation, yet, in light of recent studies we know that, some insurgency groups also resort to suicide terrorism along with their conventional guerilla warfare. However, up to date there are few studies that explain why there is a variation among rebel groups when choosing to use suicide attacks as a tactic. By using Harvey Starr’s (1991) concepts of “willingness” and “opportunity” we argue that choosing suicide terrorism as a tactical choice depends on rebel groups’ accumulated grievances and the opportunity structures that gives them the ability to absorb audience costs. Consistent with our expectations data on all rebel groups in civil war from 1981 to 2011, shows that while democratic institutions, existence of political wing as well as support from international states are associated with lower levels of suicide bombings; recruitment potential, diaspora funding increases the number of suicide attacks.
