By Jordan Bellamy

Abstract: Current literature agrees that the inclusion of foreign fighters (FFs) increases violence against civilians. However, the evidence behind this claim is mixed, with some groups limiting violence despite FFs in their ranks. This study considers rebel groups’ preexisting dynamics before FFs arrive- primarily their recruitment styles. Through a combination regression utilizing two novel datasets, this study argues that FFs’ impact on anti-civilian violence is conditional on how rebel groups solicit and socialize their recruits. This contributes to ongoing shifts toward interpersonal dynamics as explanations for violence, highlighting foreign fighters as predictors of overall rebel group behavior.