ABSTRACT
Regarding contentious actions occurring in China, does over-organized mobilization of the masses tend to escalate conflict or generate violence? According to a statistical analysis of 1,189 cases of contentious actions, mobilization of the masses is highly but negatively correlated with the degree of violence. In other words, relaxed mobilization results in less violence, and outbreaks of violence in contentious actions are usually caused by over-organized mobilization. In fact, such mobilized protests are more likely to intensify action risks and responsibilities, and strengthen responsibility awareness and assessment mechanism, which improves self-restraint in collective actions. If protested parties and governments can rationally respond to the protests, protesters are inclined to resort to more peaceful, rational and orderly ways of expressing their appeals. Therefore, the foundation of social stability lies in well-balanced mobilization rather than fragmentation of the masses. To maintain social stability, the relationship between the mobilization of collective actions and the violence of such actions needs to be thoroughly studied and scientifically evaluated, and applicable laws and policies adjusted accordingly.
(The author is a Professor at Nanjing University.)
