| ID | 174771 |
| Title Proper | Tribal militias and political legitimacy in British India and Pakistan |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Akins, Harrison |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Scholars have argued that governments rely on pro-government militias forces due to low state capacity or international pressure that limits how they use military force within the context of civil wars. This article argues that governments also strategically use militias both inside and outside of civil wars to support the political legitimacy of local systems of governance in developing states, especially in peripheral areas with limited government control. This suggests that long-term political motivations need to be considered alongside short-term tactical goals for a comprehensive understanding of militia support. This theory is supported by case studies of Pashtun tribal militias in British India and Pakistan based on archival research, interviews, and relevant secondary sources. |
| `In' analytical Note | Asian Security Vol. 16, No.3; Sep-Dec 2020: p. 304-322 |
| Journal Source | Asian Security Vol: 16 No 3 |
| Key Words | Civil Wars ; Pakistan ; Military force ; Political Legitimacy ; Tribal Militias ; British India |