Scholars have recently shifted their focus from structural factors to rebel groups’ dynamics when they analyze conflict processes (Kalyvas, 2008; Gleditsch, Metternich, & Ruggeri, 2013). Yet, existing studies still do not sufficiently address the questions of where the rebel groups come from and how they decided to wage violence towards the government, the civilians, and other rebel groups. This paper focuses on the question of when new actors emerge and under what conditions they start a new phase of violence. This is a pivotal component to understanding the dynamics of conflict as the recurrence of many civil wars is caused by new actors. Using the case of India, this paper identifies the conditions under which the opposition's decision to join the government, a move supposed to be conducive to peace, would actually lead to conflict (re)escalation.
