NCJ Number
240411
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 36 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2012 Pages: 155-171
Date Published
August 2012
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the relationship between European states' level of political legitimacy and violence, as represented by their homicide rate.
Abstract
Political legitimacy, or a state's "right to rule," has been a concern for philosophers, political scientists, and sociologists for centuries. This paper examines the relationship between European states' level of political legitimacy and violence, as represented by their homicide rate. It is theorized that political illegitimacy affects homicide through deteriorating social institutions of control, violating the rules of reciprocity between the state and citizens, and/or creating an environment of "virtual statelessness" that encourages methods of "self-help." Focusing on the modernized societies of Europe, where legitimacy may be more important to maintaining order, the present study reveals two important findings: political legitimate states have significantly lower levels of homicide, and high and low homicide rates in Europe are significantly clustered among post-Soviet states (high) and Western Europe (low). Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.