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Terrorist Violence and Popular Mobilization: The Case of the Spanish Transition to Democracy

Author

Listed:
  • Ignacio Sánchez-Cuenca

    (Center for Advanced Study in the Social Sciences (Juan March Institute), isc@ceacs.march.es)

  • Paloma Aguilar

    (Publications and Research Development Department of the Center for Sociological Research (CIS), paguilar@poli.uned.es)

Abstract

The hypothesis that terrorism often emerges when mass collective action declines and radicals take up arms to compensate for the weakness of a mass movement has been around for some time; however, it has never been tested systematically. In this article the authors investigate the relationship between terrorist violence and mass protest in the context of the Spanish transition to democracy. This period is known for its pacts and negotiations between political elites, but in fact, it was accompanied by high levels of terrorist violence and popular mobilization. To test the hypothesis, the authors have created two data sets, one on victims of terrorism and another on participation in demonstrations. The data clearly confirm that terrorism erupted in Spain when participation in demonstrations started to decline. This result sheds new light on the nonstructural conditions associated with the onset of terrorist violence.

Suggested Citation

  • Ignacio Sánchez-Cuenca & Paloma Aguilar, 2009. "Terrorist Violence and Popular Mobilization: The Case of the Spanish Transition to Democracy," Politics & Society, , vol. 37(3), pages 428-453, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:polsoc:v:37:y:2009:i:3:p:428-453
    DOI: 10.1177/0032329209338927
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kydd, Andrew & Walter, Barbara F., 2002. "Sabotaging the Peace: The Politics of Extremist Violence," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 56(2), pages 263-296, April.
    2. Wood,Elisabeth Jean, 2000. "Forging Democracy from Below," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521788878, October.
    3. Wood,Elisabeth Jean, 2000. "Forging Democracy from Below," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521783231, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Toni Rodon, 2024. "The scars of violence and repression on founding elections: Evidence from Spain," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 41(1), pages 47-71, January.

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