Gewalt des Staates und Gewalt gegen den Staat im Kontext von Protest

This chapter uses the example of political protest to discuss the causes and consequences of state violence and violence against the state. First, we show with the help of event data on protests that violence on both sides is the exception rather than the rule. The vast majority of demonstrations are peaceful expressions of political engagement. Nevertheless, violent riots and clashes occur regularly. Based on insights from international comparative work on contentious politics, we discuss possible explanatory factors of violence, including opportunity structures, strategic and normative considerations, and escalation dynamics. We then highlight the potential consequences of violence. Violence can have a direct effect on protest dynamics as well as an indirect effect on election outcomes. It can lead to less acceptance and legitimacy of both a social movement and state institutions. The media plays a crucial role in framing and describing violence. A better understanding of these dynamics can help resolve conflicts on and off the streets more constructively.