| Summary: | In a world where the struggle against terrorism and insurgent movement has become the top priority for many policy makers, there is a growing need for research that examines what happens to militant movements aafter the death or arrest of a leader. Do groups tend to disband, schism, or become more radical? What characteristics of a group make it more susceptible to certain changes after the loss of a leader? Using thirty-five case studies drown form more than forty countries, this paper analyzes thje effect that the death or arrest of a leader has on social, political, and religious movements. Its conclusions are drawn from an analysis of the groups' characteristics and an assessment of the effect the loss of a leader had on the sarvivability and evolution of the movement. The analysis provides some guidance for policy makes focused on incapacitating leadership as part of a broader effort to combat terrorist and insurgent movements.
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