Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-2025
Abstract
States sometimes back rebellions abroad to signal resolve. We study this reputation-building logic in international relations, focusing on co-ethnic links between countries as an objective source of variation in a state’s incentives to demonstrate resolve. We formally derive two interconnected predictions from the mechanism: (a) a state is more likely to endorse the uprising of a foreign group when facing a larger audience, resulting in (b) greater political inclusion for the group. We build a comprehensive panel dataset of co-ethnic rebellion sponsorship, and find evidence consistent with both predictions.
Recommended Citation
Mercier, M., Silve, A., & Tremblay-Auger, B. (2025). Building reputation: State-sponsored rebellions and transnational identities. ESI Working Paper 25-11. https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/esi_working_papers/425/
Comments
ESI Working Paper 25-11