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Katy Robinson @katyrob.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Many thanks to Jessica Maves Braithwaite, Charles Butcher, and Johannes Vüllers for all their hard work organizing this @jpeaceresearch.bsky.social special issue!

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Katy Robinson @katyrob.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Internal processes (like purging) affect the timing of leader change. Even externally-driven "decapitations" are tied to internal dynamics. Purges eliminate spies, who serve as sources of intelligence for states, and can undermine decapitation success. ✨ In short, organizational politics matter! ✨

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Katy Robinson @katyrob.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

I find that purging increases leader longevity. ➡️ 92% of leaders who used purging were still in power after 5 years, compared to only 60% of those who didn't purge ➡️ A leader’s use of purging is associated with a 71% reduction in the hazard of removal from office

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Katy Robinson @katyrob.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

I collect new data on leader exit and purging for rebels in Asia. ➡️ 33% of leader exits caused by decapitation (leaders killed, captured, or arrested by a state) ➡️ 13% of leader exits caused by internal coups or assassinations by group members ➡️ 17% of rebel leaders engaged in purging at least once

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Katy Robinson @katyrob.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Like autocrats, rebel leaders take steps to protect themselves from internal threats Rebel leaders use tools that mirror autocratic "coup-proofing" tactics ➡️purge rivals & spies ➡️centralize decision making ➡️promote friends This paper studies purging, which is used by rebel leaders around the world

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Katy Robinson @katyrob.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

My article on purging & leader survival in rebel groups is now out in @jpeaceresearch.bsky.social! Open access: doi.org/10.1093/jopr... How do rebel leaders stay in power? While we often study "decapitation" by state forces, internal actors (coup plotters, spies) also threaten leader survival.

doi.org

Rebel purges and leader survival: maintaining power through purges in rebel organizations

Abstract. How do rebel leaders maintain power? In rebel groups, leaders face threats to their survival in office from dissatisfied subordinates, internal r

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Katy Robinson @katyrob.bsky.social · 19/08/2024

Updating the syllabus for my undergraduate research seminar on civil war and terrorism -- I'm looking for an article on civil war/political violence with a great literature review to serve as an example in my class on lit reviews. Any suggestions? Self-promotion is very welcome! #PoliSky

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Katy Robinson @katyrob.bsky.social · 28/02/2024

Looking forward to presenting some new work at @stanfordcisac.bsky.social tomorrow with my Mapping Militants co-author Martha Crenshaw!

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Katy Robinson @katyrob.bsky.social · 12/01/2024

Congratulations, Sarah!!! So excited for you!!

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Katy Robinson @katyrob.bsky.social · 03/10/2023

Update from the Mapping Militants Project! New updates to Oath Keepers & Proud Boys profiles include: 🔹Jan 6 trials & seditious conspiracy 🔹ties to other groups 🔹activities of local chapters & splinters ➡️Oath Keepers - bit.ly/mmp-oath-kee... ➡️Proud Boys - bit.ly/mmp-proud-boys polisky conflictsky

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