Dealers and brokers in civil wars: why states delegate rebel support to conduit countries/

KARLEN Niklas

Dealers and brokers in civil wars: why states delegate rebel support to conduit countries/ Niklas Karlen and Vladimir Rauta - 2023

External state support to non-state armed groups is commonly seen as a direct relationship between a state sponsor and a rebel group. But powerful states often use third-party states as conduits of military aid. These intermediary states are secondary, subordinate principals that are part of extended chains of "dual delegation." Because intermediaries are likely to have their own separate agendas, powerful states often face a double principal-agent problem when providing material support to rebel groups. The difficulties and problems associated with controlling the agent are reflected in the relationship between the principal and the intermediary. States need to identify the alignment of interests at an early stage, or risk strategic failure.


INSURGENCY
CONFLICT--WAR
LOGISTICS
SUPPLY--DEMAND