Weak states, human rights violations, and the outbreak of civil war (original) (raw)

The paper explores the relationship between government-sponsored human rights violations and the emergence of civil wars. It presents a theoretical framework arguing that state repression, rather than deterring rebellion, increases the likelihood of civil war onset, particularly in weak states. The study emphasizes how the repression of personal integrity rights transforms the risk-reward calculus for nonelites, pushing them towards joining rebel movements even in the absence of selective incentives. The findings challenge existing narratives centered solely on political opportunity structures.