Violent struggles for territorial control: a comparative socio-spatial perspective

This paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the socio-spatial dynamics of political violence in armed conflicts. Using qualitative comparative evidence from the post-Soviet space and beyond, I focus on the interaction between violent armed groups and their constituencies. I highlight how this relationship both enables and constrains the use of transnational opportunities by non-state armed actors engaged in protracted insurgencies. In so doing, I also examine the vital role of legitimation and communication strategies in explaining socio-spatial variations during violent struggles for territorial control.