NCJ Number
84615
Date Published
1982
Length
230 pages
Annotation
This book discusses political criminality and policing, emphasizing that they are intrinsic to the process of conflict by which the ongoing political organization of social life is accomplished.
Abstract
Conflict over authority is intrinsic to politically organized social life. Authority structures are constantly undermined by the internal contradictions of political policing and its incompatibility with conflict resolution and management. Success in political conflict is thus the movement toward a more viable policy. The degree of success is determined by the product of authority and resister actions and by factors beyond their control. A policy's viability is associated with the life chances of the people whose lives are oriented and bound by it. Creation of a more viable policy is dependent upon moving human beings from thought and exploration to action and choice. Therefore, both progressive and destructive possibilities are present in patterns of change. With respect to political resistance, the changes include growing emphasis on cultural deprivation, resurgence of anarchist sentiment for less effective government, youth-based orientation of the cultural values, increasing pressures to move from resentment to resistance, and internationalization of resistance. Corresponding changes in political policing include greater use of field controls, extensive monitoring of political activities, and internationalization of policing. These trends will make it increasingly difficult to choose progressive rather than destructive actions to effect change. Over 100 references, a subject index, and an author index are provided. (Author summary modified)