A Theory of Demographically Targeted Repression. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rozenas, Arturas
• Is Part Of: Journal of conflict resolution. Volume 64:Number 7/8(2020)
• Page Start: 1254
• Page End: 1278
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: repression -- collective action -- opposition -- discrimination -- autocracy; War and society -- Periodicals; Peace -- Periodicals; Arbitration (International law) -- Periodicals; 327.16
• DOI: 10.1177/0022002720904768
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0027

Abstract

People from specific ethnic, religious, or other externally identifiable groups are often subjected to harsher repression than others. This phenomenon of demographically targeted repression is often viewed as a result of xenophobia. I provide a rationalist explanation of demographic targeting to understand why this form of repression is employed even without xenophobic motives. Building on the empirical literature, I model an environment where a threat of repression may motivate people to oppose the regime defensively. I show that, in such conditions, the regime may use demographic targeting to undermine cross-group collective action. The model explains when demographic targeting is used and how it shapes the behavior and identity of citizens. I use the model to make sense of certain aspects of repression policy in China.