Summary/Abstract |
While the literature on rebel-to-party transformation focused on formation of parties at the end of civil wars, in this study, we address the phenomenon of a political party that co-exists alongside a rebel group during a lengthy civil war. We define this party as a ‘pro-rebel party,’ which is constrained by the rebel group but adheres to the legal order by offering candidates in elections. Based on the case of pro-Kurdish parties in Turkey, we argue that pro-rebel parties experience ideological and organisational pluralisation in structures with increasing opportunities and reinforce a counter-hegemonic struggle against a one-sided state discourse.
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