From Control to Conflict: A Spectrum and Framework for Understanding Government-Militia Relationships

How can we describe and categorize government relationships with pro-government militias (PGMs)? Most research tends to focus on sponsorship of PGMs. This entails a cooperative relationship delegation Yet most government-PGM relations are nuanced, complex, often fraught uncertainty even conflict hostility. In this article discuss the conceptualization PGMs vis-à-vis or state, then complexities relations, develop spectrum framework these relationships. We classify based their alignment interests/objectives, degree which has control over PGM balance power, extent provides material support PGM. introduce five categories – control, delegation, cooperation, acquiescence, conflict. aids in better understanding nuances relationships, includes under-explored aspects possible such as competition/conflict, how change time.