When Peace Agreements Create Spoilers: The Russo-Chechen Agreement of 1996

Spoiler theory has been used to explain the downfall of many peace processes. This article uses the Russo-Chechen peace process of 1996 as an example of a process in which the agreement itself set the stage for the appearance of spoilers. Using ripeness, readiness, and relative deprivation theory, this article identifies the factors that pushed both sides toward the 1996 agreement and then pushed them away from adherence to its provisions for follow on negotiations. The limited nature of the agreement created the spoilers that endangered the peace immediately after it was signed.