State Absenteeism: Vigilantism and Security Provision in Latin America

13 August 2024, Version 1
This content is an early or alternative research output and has not been peer-reviewed at the time of posting.

Abstract

This paper explores the underlying causes of vigilantism, moving beyond existing explanations to propose a novel perspective: state absenteeism. Drawing upon an original dataset collected at the subnational level in Guatemala, the study utilizes police station data as a proxy measure of state presence. This research paper sheds light on the intricate dynamics driving vigilantism by analyzing the interplay between state actions, security provision, and the emergence of extralegal justice mechanisms. Empirical findings suggest that existing theories do not fully explain the surge in vigilantism, underscoring the importance of considering state provision of security at the subnational level. This theoretical and empirical contribution highlights the role of the state in shaping responses to insecurity and calls for policy interventions to address the under-provision of public goods, particularly security, to strengthen the rule of law.

Keywords

Vigilantism
State Absenteeism
Police
Security Provision
Public Goods Provision

Supplementary materials

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Description
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Title
Supplementary Material: State Absenteeism: Vigilantism and Security Provision in Latin America
Description
Appendix including robustness checks discussed in the main paper
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