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Female fighters and the fates of rebellions: How mobilizing women influences conflict duration

Author

Listed:
  • Reed M. Wood

    (University of Essex, UK)

  • Lindsey Allemang

    (University of Iowa, USA)

Abstract

We investigate the potential relationship between female combatants and conflict duration. We contend that recruiting female combatants extends war duration via its influence on state–rebel bargaining. The recruitment and deployment of female combatants contribute to divergent perspectives between the rebels and the incumbent regarding the rebel group’s capabilities and the depth of its resolve, which impedes successful bargaining and extends the duration of the conflict. Results from duration analyses using data on the estimated prevalence of female combatants in rebel groups active between 1964 and 2011 support our central hypothesis and suggest that the use of female fighters is associated with longer conflicts.

Suggested Citation

  • Reed M. Wood & Lindsey Allemang, 2022. "Female fighters and the fates of rebellions: How mobilizing women influences conflict duration," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 39(5), pages 565-586, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:39:y:2022:i:5:p:565-586
    DOI: 10.1177/07388942211034746
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Devorah Manekin & Reed M. Wood, 2020. "Framing the Narrative: Female Fighters, External Audience Attitudes, and Transnational Support for Armed Rebellions," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 64(9), pages 1638-1665, October.
    2. Slantchev, Branislav L., 2003. "The Principle of Convergence in Wartime Negotiations," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 97(4), pages 621-632, November.
    3. Beber, Bernd & Blattman, Christopher, 2013. "The Logic of Child Soldiering and Coercion," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 67(1), pages 65-104, January.
    4. Cohen, Dara Kay, 2013. "Explaining Rape during Civil War: Cross-National Evidence (1980–2009)," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 107(3), pages 461-477, August.
    5. Parkinson, Sarah Elizabeth, 2013. "Organizing Rebellion: Rethinking High-Risk Mobilization and Social Networks in War," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 107(3), pages 418-432, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lindsey A Goldberg, 2025. "International virtue signaling: How female combatants shape state support for armed rebellion," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 42(2), pages 107-130, March.
    2. Lindsey A Goldberg, 2025. "Women’s roles and reproductive violence within armed rebellions," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 62(6), pages 1611-1628, November.

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