The impact of asymmetric information among competing insurgent groups: estimating an 'emboldenment' effect

Iyengar, Radha (2010) The impact of asymmetric information among competing insurgent groups: estimating an 'emboldenment' effect. CEP Discussion Papers (CEPDP1018). London School of Economics and Political Science. Centre for Economic Performance, London, UK.

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Abstract

This paper uses asymmetric access to information to test if an insurgency is factionalized. If it is factionalized, regional variation in information should influence attack levels as groups use violence to compete over visibility, resources and support. Using plausibly exogenous variation in satellite access, we show that attacks increased after the release of information on satellite television about US commitment to remain in Iraq. Because insurgents shift attacks toward more difficult (military) targets, the relative increase in attacks is offset by fewer total fatalities. Our findings illustrate that insurgent groups may be decentralized strategic actors subject to competitive forces.

Item Type:	Monograph (Discussion Paper)
Official URL:	https://cep.lse.ac.uk/_new/publications/discussion...
Additional Information:	© 2010 The Author(s)
Divisions:	Economics
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions J Political Science > JZ International relations
JEL classification:	F - International Economics > F5 - International Relations and International Political Economy > F51 - International Conflicts; Negotiations; Sanctions F - International Economics > F5 - International Relations and International Political Economy > F52 - National Security; Economic Nationalism
Date Deposited:	22 Feb 2024 15:39
Last Modified:	22 Feb 2024 15:39
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/121728

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