Para-Police, Violence, and Routine Coercion in China

• In Event: Armed Groups and Elections

Abstract

This study proposes a new concept of “everyday repression” to describe the use of banal and low-level violence by states to carry out routine coercion against citizens and to acquire citizen’s compliance to unpopular policies. Much like James Scott’s everyday forms of resistance, “everyday repression” is prosaic and routine, and reflects states’ tactical wisdom when the use of official coercive forces is not practical. In contrast to organized repressive actions, “everyday repression” exercised by “street-level bureaucrats” and hired private agents requires minimal planning or coordination and low-level of organizational capacity. Yet, “everyday repression” has low perceived legitimacy and is less costly for citizens to resist. It is hence more likely to result in backlash compared to organized repressive actions. “Everyday repression” may be an expedient means of control, it often reduces state legitimacy and increases the likelihood of resistance. In China, the “street-level bureaucrats” carrying out “everyday repression” are the para-police or chengguan, many of whom are poorly trained temporary personnel, as well as “thugs-for-hire”. “Everyday repression” is part of state governance to control society. In countries where the states lack control over certain territories, local politicians have to work closely with local strongmen to court votes and deliver state services. The patron-client relationship forged between the politicians and criminal groups have become a facet of everyday governance in countries from India to Latin America.

Author

• Lynette H. Ong, University of Toronto