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How Repression Affects Public Perceptions of Police: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in Uganda

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  • Travis Curtice

Abstract

What are the effects of state repression on public perceptions of police? And to what extent are these effects uniform or conditional on individuals’ loyalty to political authorities? I argue that repression by the police negatively affects how people evaluate the police, especially among those who do not support the ruling party. People who oppose the regime are more likely to fear the police following a repressive event relative to regime supporters. To test this argument, I leverage a unique research design opportunity that emerges from the social media tax protest led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (also known as Bobi Wine) and subsequent selective repression by the Uganda Police Force while a nationally representative survey on police and security was being administered in Uganda. I demonstrate selective repression of protesters decreased support for the police. These effects are largely driven by political loyalty; repression has a stronger effect on how members of the opposition evaluate the police relative to incumbent supporters.

Suggested Citation

  • Travis Curtice, 2021. "How Repression Affects Public Perceptions of Police: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in Uganda," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 65(10), pages 1680-1708, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:65:y:2021:i:10:p:1680-1708
    DOI: 10.1177/00220027211013097
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gandhi,Jennifer, 2008. "Political Institutions under Dictatorship," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521897952, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Martin Stavro & Ryan M. Welch, 2024. "Does Police Militarization Increase Repression?," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 68(5), pages 964-992, May.

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