US Patronage, State Capacity, and Civil Conflict

Leaders need resources to maintain power. To secure these resources, states can develop their own extractive capacity or seek external support help subsidize costs. In this study, we argue that and are not always alternatives. We focus on how US foster local property rights, which subsequently builds capacity. then with more better able either alleviate rebels’ grievances deter rebels from mounting a military challenge. use mediation analysis test expectations data set capacity, support, civil conflict 1970 2012. find empirical for the role of rights as mediating factors between conflict. Our results have implications international explanations patronage in development.