Civil wars often attract intervention from outside states.

Accountability Mechanisms

Domestic migrants (immigrants in third-party countries or emigrants) significantly influence whether external states intervene. These groups serve as accountability mechanisms, making intervening states more responsive to citizens' fates within their own borders.

This effect occurs regardless of the intervenor's domestic political system—democracy doesn't show strong evidence here.

Policy Implications

Migrant advocacy may be an effective tool for halting civil conflicts. States should consider these dynamics when crafting foreign policy.