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Radicalism in Mass Movements: Asymmetric Information and Endogenous Leadership

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  • CHEN, HENG
  • SUEN, WING

Abstract

Asymmetric information and diverse preferences for reform create an agency problem between opposition leaders and citizens. Dissatisfied citizens are unsure of how bad the current situation is but infer this information from the scale of the leader’s reform proposal. Because radical leaders have an incentive to exaggerate and mislead, to command credibility, they must paradoxically radicalize the proposal further as a way of signaling the necessity of change. Radicalism motivated by signaling is costly, as it reduces a movement’s chances of success. This mechanism also contributes to leadership radicalization when the leaders of movements arise as a compromise among diverse interests.

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  • Chen, Heng & Suen, Wing, 2021. "Radicalism in Mass Movements: Asymmetric Information and Endogenous Leadership," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 115(1), pages 286-306, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:apsrev:v:115:y:2021:i:1:p:286-306_19
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    Cited by:

    1. Qiang Fu & Ming Li & Xue Qiao, 2022. "On the paradox of mediocracy," Journal of Economics & Management Strategy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(2), pages 492-521, April.
    2. Pierre Courtois & Rabia Nessah & Tarik Tazdaït, 2024. "Revolutions and rational choice: A critical discussion," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 200(3), pages 497-529, September.

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