A common denominator in conflict studies: Introducing political non-state organisations

This Working Paper advances the conceptualisation of non-state actors by introducing political non-state organisations (PNSOs) as a distinct analytical category. Drawing on insights from terrorism, civil war, and social movement studies, it argues that prevailing definitions suffer from conceptual ambiguity and empirical inconsistencies, hampering comparative research. PNSOs are defined by their formal organisational structures, political objectives, and their engagement in physical, publicly observable actions taking place outside institutional political channels. This framework integrates elements of both actors commonly denoted non-state and social movement organisations, while delineating PNSOs clearly from state and apolitical entities. The approach also captures hybrid actors who combine protest and electoral politics. By introducing PNSOs, a more consistent cross-case comparison of entities involved in political contention is made possible - using violent or non-violent tactics. The conceptual refinement addresses methodological fragmentation in existing datasets, offering a coherent foundation for empirical studies of contentious politics across diverse political and geographical contexts.