Stick Then Carrot: When Do Governments Give Amnesty during Civil War?

Abstract Governments grant amnesties to rebel groups during civil wars and this is a puzzle. Why would the government offer an amnesty, which can be interpreted as signal of weakness? In certain circumstances, offering amnesty rational policy choice. should give when they are winning: risk misinterpreted signals lessened, costs low, weakened, so used instrumentally encourage defection or division among foot soldiers incentive leaders. Therefore, capitalizes on its military advantage offers in “stick then carrot” tactic. Using database conflicts from 1990 2011, article shows that governments more likely following high deaths. The use conflict nuanced context important understanding strategic choices.