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Abstract

This research aims to build a framework for armed groups consolidation via empirically investigating the factors and mechanisms that instigated and shaped the formation and sustenance of twelve Syrian armed groups in the period from 2011-2021. Inspired by grounded theory and abduction approaches to theory building, rich data from Syria was collected and organized in light of available literature. Over 38 interviews provided fresh insights into the consolidation process, and supported by information from open sources to provide the context and corroborate the interviewees accounts. The main contribution are twofold: 1) armed groups consolidate in various ways in terms of organisational structure, 2) the interactions of four factors (threat, trust, leadership, and resources) produce different mechanisms that affect the specific outcomes of consolidations

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