In-Depth Notes on Political Crimes and Protests

Political Crimes Overview
  • Definition: Political crime is rule-breaking aimed at furthering political goals or enacted by individuals in power.
  • Examples of Political Conflict: Can include anything from peaceful discussions and protests to violent uprisings and wars.
Key Forms of Political Deviance

  1. Corruption:

    • Involves bribery (offering money or favors for special consideration), patronage (favoring friends or family), and fraud (deception for self-enrichment).
    • High corruption levels are associated with low economic development and lack of democratic institutions.
    • Transparency International: Ranks countries by perceived corruption, with Canada and others (Norway, Denmark, etc.) consistently in the top spots.

  2. Treason:

    • Defined as actions opposing state goals to the extent of seeking governmental overthrow.
    • Can be seen as a tool for maintaining stability or an instrument of oppression.
    • Example: Whistleblowers like Edward Snowden reveal ethical dilemmas within government actions.

  3. Torture:

    • Aimed at inflicting pain for punishment, information extraction, or political ends.
    • Despite being outlawed, it remains practiced in many countries, raising questions about its efficacy and moral implications.
Protests, Riots, and Collective Actions

  • Riots:

    • Manifest grassroots dissatisfaction; often violent and unpredictable.
    • Local government and police conduct play critical roles in riot outcomes.
    • Emotional connections among participants can lead to collective actions that are difficult to articulate.

  • Mass Media Impact:

    • Can influence participation by rationalizing movements and providing symbols of identity.
Theories Explaining Protest and Political Violence

  • Functionalist Theories:

    • Suggest war can enhance social cohesion and group identity, leading to a collective cause for people.
    • Military culture and historical experience play key roles in a society's inclination towards war.

  • Symbolic Interactionist Theories:

    • Focus on conversation and interactions that justify political violence, influencing how society views and reacts to war.
    • Media depiction shapes perceptions of honor and sacrifice in military contexts.

  • Critical Theories:

    • Emphasize that oppression and repression foster violent forms of protest.
    • Suggest that war predominantly benefits ruling classes and militaristic institutions.

  • Feminist Approaches:

    • Address how women are disproportionately affected by wars, highlighting issues like gender-based violence and gendercide.
    • Recognize women's unique needs in the aftermath of war and emphasize the need for inclusivity in conflict resolution frameworks.
Consequences of Political Crimes

  • Social Consequences:

    • Wars lead to property destruction, loss of cultural heritage, and deteriorating civilian morale.

  • Health Consequences:

    • Post-war trauma; high rates of veteran suicides.
    • Studies indicate military deaths largely occurred in the twentieth century, highlighting modern combat's lethality.

  • Economic Consequences:

    • Significant collateral damages emerge from political crimes, exemplified by costs associated with terrorism and military responses.

  • Environmental Consequences:

    • Wars lead to extensive environmental degradation, such as oil spills and landmines that endanger lives long after conflicts cease.
Addressing Political Crimes
  • Social Policy Implications:
    • Encouragement of an independent press;
    • Implementation of truth and reconciliation commissions;
    • Greater regulation of government activities to prevent future abuses.