Inter Group Learning, Emulation, and Diffusion in Militant Alliance Networks

• In Event: Coordination, Competition, and Learning in Multi-Actor Conflict

Abstract

This paper examines how alliance networks facilitate tactical diffusion among militant group allies. I challenge the conventional wisdom that groups emulate tactics employed by other ideologically influential groups. I argue that groups adopt new tactics due to three processes: elite-level change in mindset, socialization of rank-and-file soldiers into the new mindset, and accumulation of new skill sets. I hypothesize that synergistic forms of cooperation that enable cross-group militant-level interaction expedite these processes. I test my expectations in the context of civilian hostage-taking during civil war. Using a novel network dataset of Northeast Indian militant group alliances, I find evidence for diffusion wherein groups trained by other groups proficient in kidnapping eventually adopt the practice. Notably, however, this diffusion effect is not present in cases of rhetorical cooperation or transactional alliances, which are limited to the exchange of words of confidence, arms and funds.

Author

• Ilayda Onder, Texas A&M University