Topic of the thesis: Researching on how institutions established by rebel groups deal with ethnic and religious diversity. What elements influence rebel governance institutions in multi ethnic and religious contexts?

Abstract: Why do some rebel groups decide to share power with ethnic minorities during civil wars?  During civil wars, rebels often fill the state vacuum and establish order, provide services, and create alternative systems of “rebel governance” (Arjona 2014). When a rebel group gains control over an ethnically diverse territory, it may fear disloyalty from minorities. In the same way, minorities may fear that a group’s hegemony may affect their security. Due to this ethnic security dilemma, rebel governance often results in the persecution of minorities, forced displacement, and ethnic cleansing. At best, minorities are tolerated or made subjects under the rule of rebel groups. However, there are rarer cases of rebel groups creating power-sharing institutions inclusive of ethnic and religious minorities. For example, during the Syrian Civil War rebel groups such as the Democratic Union Party and the Free Syrian Army created representative and executive bodies inclusive of all religious and ethnic groups. By studying rebels’ governance, this research project aims to identify the conditions under which rebels are most likely to create power-sharing institutions in the context of civil war.

Research interests: Peace and Conflict Studies – Wartime institutions – Syrian conflict.

Graduated from: University of Bologna (BA) – University of University of Venice (MA).

Degrees obtained: BA in International Studies – MA in International Relations.

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