ABSTRACT
State Repression in Post-Disaster Societies examines the effects of disaster on political dissent, which ultimately affects levels of state repression. Disasters are often triggers that can establish a collective identity among disaster survivors and their supporters and then can prompt political mobilization to confront the grievances suffered by the group. Rational actor theory suggests that political leaders' primary concern is to remain in power. Therefore, political leaders will use repression if necessary to maintain their authority and privilege. Theory on protests indicates that democracy, organization, resources, and repression also determine whether people take to the streets. The level of democracy is a determining factor in whether or not people resort to contentious political activity. Davenport's "Law of Coercive Responsiveness" suggests that government leaders respond with repression when a challenge to their authority is perceived. A regime at risk of losing power will use repression to maintain control.
