From the civil wars in Colombia, Nepal, and Syria, to the revolutions in Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan, and the fervent uprisings of the Arab Spring, recent decades have vividly demonstrated that rebellion is in the air. In this groundbreaking study, Ruolin Su delves into the intricate dynamics of violent policy choices made by rebel leaders amid domestic turmoil. How does a history of rebellion shape a leader's inclination towards violence when they ascend to power? When do these leaders turn to violence abroad, and to what extent does it bolster their hold on power at home? This book is an indispensable resource for political scientists and scholars dedicated to understanding the complexities of post-rebellion states and international security.