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Understanding Covert Repressive Action

Author

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  • Christian Davenport

    (Department of Political Science University of Maryland)

Abstract

Although overt repression has been studied extensively (e.g., mass arrests), there have been no rigorous investigations of covert repressive action (CRA; e.g., electronic and physical surveillance). To better understand the latter behavior, the author uses newdata about U.S. domestic intelligence activity directed against a Black Nationalist organization in Detroit, Michigan, during the late 1960s and early 1970s ( N = 3,136, by neighborhood-month). In line with existing research, evidence reveals that CRA responds to dissent, lagged repression, and the level of economic development within a neighborhood. Differing from existing literature, however, results also disclose thatCRAresponds to where dissidents live and, most important, in accordance to the racial characteristics of the neighborhood within which potential targets are located. Wiretaps and tails are thus prompted by numerous factors, but the identity of challengers (i.e., political “profiling†) proves to be an essential part of the explanation.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Davenport, 2005. "Understanding Covert Repressive Action," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 49(1), pages 120-140, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:49:y:2005:i:1:p:120-140
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002704271285
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    Cited by:

    1. Andreas Lichter & Max Löffler & Sebastian Siegloch, 2021. "The Long-Term Costs of Government Surveillance: Insights from Stasi Spying in East Germany," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 19(2), pages 741-789.

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