Why do people engage in vigilantism? Vigilantism is commonly understood as a functional solution to a security problem, or as "popular justice," an expression of the people's will. However, both these approaches overlook the power dynamics that are at the heart of vigilantism—and as a result, they are unable to fully explain when, how, and why vigilantism occurs.

Regina Bateson will discuss the logic and processes of vigilantism as a form of contentious political behavior. Indeed, a contentious politics framework helps to resolve several puzzles of vigilantism: Why do vigilantes intentionally seek engagement with the state? Why are vigilante punishments excessively violent? Why is vigilantism sometimes unrelated to public opinion, crime rates, and state presence? And why does vigilantism happen even in societies with strong rule of law? These apparent contradictions all make sense if we view vigilantism as a way of seeking influence, reinforcing hierarchies, and making claims. After all, vigilantism is not just about security or justice; it is also about power.

About the Speaker

Regina Bateson is a comparative political scientist who studies violence, politics, the rule of law, and threats to democracy. Regina is currently an assistant professor at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa. Her academic work is informed by her prior experiences as a Foreign Service Officer for the US Department of State, a Spanish-English legal interpreter, and a congressional candidate.

Presented by the Reppy Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies. Co-sponsored by the Gender and Security Sector Lab.