The influence of "dark networks" on citizens' confidence in democratic institutions in Mexico. Issue 4 (1st December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Relly, Jeannine E.; Hutchens, Myiah J.
• Is Part Of: Social science journal. Volume 56:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 555
• Page End: 564
• Publication Date: 2019-12-01
• Subjects: Democracy -- Democratic institutions -- Public opinion -- Dark networks -- Violence -- Security -- Corruption -- Mexico; Social sciences -- Periodicals; 300.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.soscij.2018.10.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0362-3319

Abstract

Highlights: Direct knowledge of corrupt activity negatively and significantly influenced satisfaction with democracy among Mexican citizens. Direct knowledge of a corrupt act negatively and significantly influenced confidence in democratic institutions and local government. Right-leaning political ideology had a significantly positive influence on confidence in democratic institutions. Younger Mexican citizens appeared to be more satisfied with democracy and other representative institutions than other groups. Abstract: The Americas have the highest homicide rate of any region in the world, with adherence to rule of law being a major concern in "third-wave" democracies. Given the surge in violence in Mexico in the years after the country ended one-party rule, we utilize the country case to conceptually and empirically test the influence of violence and corruption as proxies for "dark networks" – covert actors working outside of the law – on citizens' confidence in democracy and democratic institutions. In a largely empirically unexplored area, we operationalize the concept of dark networks and study the impact on citizens over critical junctures of three Mexican presidencies. Utilizing representative survey data, we analyze the impact of dark networks (homicides and direct knowledge of corrupt acts) on satisfaction with democracy and confidence in democratic institutions. Experience with corrupt acts had a significantly negative influence on satisfaction with democracy and confidence in democratic institutions and local government. Homicides had a significant yet only slightly positive influence on satisfaction with democracy and confidence in local government. Right-leaning ideology had a significant yet only weak positive influence on satisfaction with democracy and on confidence in institutions.