Magically powerful leaders and the resilience of rebel groups

Rebel leaders are sometimes believed by followers to be prophets or messiahs, or to possess supernatural powers. Despite their prominence in militant organizations, the consequences of such leadership for rebel group dynamics remain understudied. We examine how perceived supernatural authority shapes the longevity of armed movements. We argue that groups led by leaders believed to possess extraordinary powers survive longer because these leaders can more effectively motivate and coerce followers to sustain participation in conflict. Using novel data on African rebel organizations, we find evidence that perceived supernatural authority is associated with increased organizational durability over time.