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New Publication by Rafael Biermann

Patron-client relations in secessionist conflict: introducing the special issue
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This article introduces a special issue on patron-client relations in secessionist conflict. It sets the stage for a new research programme by opening up a rich variety of directions for future study. I argue that the topic deserves far more attention in secessionism studies because the acquisition of powerful patrons is the most promising path to independence for secessionists. It is often a game changer. But there is far more variance than scholars have yet appreciated. I find that the three strands of literature that have emerged on the topic allow for little cumulation as long as (a) a solid conceptual foundation that takes into account the patron-client literature in both International Relations and other social science disciplines is lacking, (b) scholars do not systematically search for patterns through cross-regional comparisons, (c) research does not move beyond a focus on great power state patronage to medium, small and non-state patronage, multiple patron scenarios, and patron-client networks and (d) scholars do not strive for greater differentiation. This special issue breaks new ground for such research.

The article is available here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21622671.2024.2410236External link