Countermovement vigilantism and human rights

1996:

Abstract:
Vigilante groups designed to counter dissident movements are common across the world. Although these groups systematically violate the rights of citizens, little theoretical work has examined the phenomenon. The paper develops a theory and set of corresponding propositions on the origins, behaviors, and consequences of counter-dissident vigilantism. The implications for promoting international human rights are then discussed.

Groups of private citizens designed to counter dissident movements have become a major concern of human rights organizations. Not only are counter-dissident vigilantes responsible for violations of rights in a wide variety of settings, but rights workers are often themselves the victims of their attacks. The paper develops a theory and set of propositions about counterdissident vigilantism and concludes with strategic implications for rights organizations. ..more.. by David Kowalewski, Division of Social Sciences, Alfred University, 14802 Alfred, NY, USA