Why we fight, and why we stop: A study of armed groups in DRC

The research project examines why some combatants leave armed groups and demobilize while others fight on. I study armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and look at the mechanisms which sustain mobilization over demobilization. To do this I have conducted interviews with ex-combatants, government officials, and third party representatives in the DRC. The aim of the project is to explain individual variation in the length of time combatants remain in their armed groups. Further, by examining this individual level variation, I develop a group level theory explaining why some factions within armed groups demobilize while others do not. This theory helps us to understand how spoiler factions emerge during peace processes.