A Contextual Model of the Secessionist Rebellion in Eastern Ukraine

Abstract

This paper explores the possible contextual factors that drove some individuals to lead, and others to join the pro-secessionist rebellion in the 2013-2014 conflict in Eastern Ukraine. We expand on the existing rational choice literature on revolutionary participation and rebellious movements by building a contextual choice model accounting for both cost-benefit and behavioral considerations taken by Pro-Russian militants and rebels in the region of Donbass. Our model generates predictions about the characteristics of the socio-political-cultural context that are most likely to ignite and sustain hierarchical rebel movements similar to those in Ukraine.