Micro-level motivations of combatants in inter communal conflicts: a look into the case of Jabal Mohsen and Bab al-Tabbaneh

Abstract

The micro-level determinants of fighting is a growing research topic. However, little research has been done on the reasons why people take part in communal violence, which I define as violence between non-state groups that are mobilized along a shared communal identity. This research attempts at filling this gap by looking into the micro-dynamics of violence through a case study of the conflict between the neighborhoods of Jabal Mohsen and Bab al-Tabbaneh in Tripoli, Lebanon. This area has seen more than 20 rounds of clashes between Sunni and Shia communities between 2008 and 2014, which have left hundreds of dead and wounded. The research draws on interviews with 13 former combatants from both neighborhoods. In line with expectations on motivations from the civil war literature, I find that financial incentives, sectarian grievances and religious motivations as well as self-defense are important motivations. However, the findings also go beyond the ‘rational violence’ framework and highlight the importance of the psychological functions of violence. The interviews show that the desire to gain respect from the community, to be seen like a man and thrill-seeking are important drivers. Identifying motivations for communal violence is a novel contribution to research on political violence.