Political Repression and Its Mechanisms

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to political repression, its mechanisms, and theories surrounding it.

Political Repression

The actual or threatened use of physical sanctions against an individual or organization to deter specific activities or beliefs perceived as challenging to the government.

State Terror

Violence inflicted by the government on its own citizens to maintain control and suppress dissent.

Digital Repression

State-led efforts to control and suppress dissent through digital means, including surveillance and censorship on electronic platforms.

Political Assassination

The targeted killing of an individual for political purposes, often to intimidate opponents or dissenters.

Violations of Personal Integrity

Acts such as murder, torture, and arbitrary imprisonment that infringe on an individual's physical rights.

The Repression Playbook

A categorization of methods used by authorities to enact repression, including legal sanctions and state terror.

Civil Liberties

Personal freedoms protected from government intrusion, which can be restricted under repressive regimes.

The Backlash Hypothesis

The theory suggesting that higher levels of state repression lead to increased levels of protest and resistance among the populace.

Coercive State Capacity

The ability of a regime to employ force and control to maintain its power and suppress dissent.

Political Terror Scale (PTS)

A measurement scale to assess the level of political violence and repression experienced by a population.