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The support of non-state armed organizations by the governments of other countries has historically been an important strategic approach in international relations. What are the reasons that drive states to do so? Why do rebel groups choose to cooperate with these states? Using the Non-State Armed Organizations (NSAO) dataset, Belgin Şan Akca argues that the cooperation of non-state armed organizations with states is the result of a process of mutual selection by both organizations and states. It demonstrates the role played by inter-state relations, as well as ethnic, religious and ideological affinities between states, armed organizations and other potential supporters, with 355 cases of state selection and 342 cases of organization selection. In this context, it shows that organizations are also key actors in international relations that can exist on their own, independent of states' preferences, and profoundly influence foreign policy. Masked States offers a different methodology from the state-oriented studies of the main theories of international relations. Of particular importance for Turkey, which is located in the Middle East, where much of the world's work is taking place, and where security issues are a priority, this book is a reference work for academics, policymakers and all readers interested in the subject.