Contemporary Issues in Public Disorder: A Comparative and Historical Approach

This book examines the causes and consequences of public disorder, using case studies from the US and UK to demonstrate the "flashpoints model" which explains that public disorder is most likely to occur when a group perceives its rights are being violated or denied. It also considers the assertion that media coverage can have an inflammatory effect on public disorder.

Format: Hardback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book, originally published in 1992, delves into a comparative analysis of industrial, political, urban, and sectarian disorders, drawing upon material from the United States and Britain. Published in the early 1990s, public disorder regained prominence on the political agenda, yet it often elicited confusion and misunderstanding. The public discourse was characterized by superficiality and emotion, offering little valuable insight and failing to foster meaningful policy changes. This book presents the "flashpoints model," which explains that public disorder is most likely to occur when a group perceives its rights being violated or denied. The model is showcased through a series of captivating case studies, spanning international and historical contexts, including British and American inner-city riots, sports spectator violence, and the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Specifically, it traces the expansion of police powers and assesses the effectiveness of democratic control over police behavior. Additionally, it examines the assertion that media coverage can contribute to the escalation of public disorder.

In the early 1990s, public disorder resurfaced as a significant concern on the political agenda, yet it often evoked confusion and misunderstandings. The public discourse was characterized by superficiality and emotion, offering little valuable insight and failing to foster meaningful policy changes. This book presents the "flashpoints model," which explains that public disorder is most likely to occur when a group perceives its rights being violated or denied. The model is showcased through a series of captivating case studies, spanning international and historical contexts, including British and American inner-city riots, sports spectator violence, and the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Specifically, it traces the expansion of police powers and assesses the effectiveness of democratic control over police behavior. Additionally, it examines the assertion that media coverage can contribute to the escalation of public disorder.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032042183