State Repression and Nonviolent Resistance

TLDR

The article highlights controversies over the link between state repression and nonviolent resistance, including differing theoretical assumptions, measurement and methodological challenges, and moral hazards. The authors review decades of research on state repression and nonviolent resistance and identify areas where greater synthesis could be beneficial. The study conducts a comprehensive literature review of state repression and nonviolent resistance. The authors argue that the two research programs have converged on six consensus findings and suggest productive directions for future work.

Abstract

In this article, we review decades of research on state repression and nonviolent resistance. We argue that these two research programs have converged around six consensus findings. We also highlight several areas of divergence, where greater synthesis between the research on state repression and nonviolent resistance might prove useful. We draw attention to remaining controversies surrounding the association between state repression and nonviolent resistance—particularly regarding different theoretical assumptions about structure, agency, and strategic choice; measurement challenges for both repression and dissent; methodological challenges regarding endogeneity, multicausality, and equifinality; and moral hazards associated with the study of nonviolent resistance and the effectiveness of repression. We conclude by highlighting some productive ways forward.