LAUSR

ABSTRACT This article aims to explain how informal institutions that emerge as part of rebel governance regimes during periods of conflict survive the transition to peace, with a particular focus on the continued presence of informal justice institutions in select communities in contemporary Northern Ireland. The development of this particular form of controlling political violence is explored as part of a broader republican rebel governance regime and a model of development is proposed which focuses on the protracted isolated development thereof. This approach demonstrates that such development produces more resilient institutions, which are able to survive both the transitions to peace and a post-conflict context which sees increased challenges from the state. These particular challenges are further evaluated for their inefficiency as they serve as feedback mechanisms further guaranteeing the stability of the ideational structures underpinning the informal institutions, which are based on a delegitimised statutory framework.