The Determinants of Public Support for Militarizing Domestic Security: Evidence from the AmericasBarometer

• In Event: Policing, Public Insecurity, and Human Rights: Challenges for Contemporary Democracies

Abstract

This paper uses national probability surveys from Latin America and the Caribbean to examine the factors that explain widespread support for militarizing domestic security. As crime and insecurity increase, governments in Latin America have sought to use the armed forces to bolster police activity. Survey evidence from the 2012 and 2014 AmericasBarometer indicate widespread public support for these policies, even in countries where they are constitutionally prohibited. Popular support serves to legitimize such polices even when the consequences might be detrimental to institutional stability or protection of civil rights. The paper will employ multi-variable statistical analysis to ascertain the effect of socio-demographic and attitudinal factors on citizens’ support for increased military involvement in domestic security missions.

Author

• Orlando J Perez, Millersville University