Prof. Young on support for vigilante groups in Mexico

Professor Lauren Young has published an article in the Journal of Peace Research on "Anger and Support for Retribution in Mexico’s Drug War."  Young and her coauthors argue that emotional reactions to crime lead civilians to support vigilante violence. An analysis based on data from Western Mexico shows that crimes with victims who are perceived as innocents — not necessarily the more severe violence — are the most likely to spark outrage and support for vigilante violence.