Focal Points, Dissident Calendars, and Preemptive Repression
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6286199 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Rory Truex (0000-0002-3808-4874, Princeton University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2019 |
| Volume | 63 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 1032-1052 |
| Publication date | 2019-04-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Conflict Resolution (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0022-0027 • E-ISSN: 1552-8766 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1177/0022002718770520 |
| OpenAlex | W3125233458 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 70 |
| References cited | 34 |
This article explains temporal variation in repression as a function of the “dissident calendar,” the set of events that serve as natural focal points for coordination. The core argument is that regimes can anticipate the events that create these focal points and engage in preemptive repression to survive their passing. This dynamic produces predictable, often cyclical patterns in repression. An analysis of dissident detentions in China from 1998 to 2014 shows that “focal events” alone appear to be responsible for more than 20 percent of dissident detentions over the analysis period. Such detentions tend to be shorter and rely less on formal criminal procedures, suggesting a “catch-and-release” dynamic. Additional analysis of detentions in Tibet shows how the calendar may vary by issue or group
Argument (complex analysis · Cardinal point · Focal point · Function (biology · Political science · Psychological repression · Set (abstract data type · China's Ethnic Minorities and Relations · China's Socioeconomic Reforms and Governance · Computer Science · Medicine · Vietnamese History and Culture Studies
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Elitist Remedies? Complaint Resources and Representation in International Human Rights Bodies
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| Unique citing works | 70 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 7,78 |
| Citation span | 2017 - 2026 (10) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 70 |