Policing Protest: The Post-Democratic State and the Figure of Black Insurrection

The policing of protest in the US has become increasingly hostile since the late 1990s, driven by responses to three interrelated crises: the political mobilization of marginalized social groups, the urban fiscal crisis, and the crime crisis. This trend is evidence of the emergence of a post-democratic state.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 13 August 2021
Publisher: Duke University Press

Since the late 1990s, the policing of protest in the United States has undergone a significant shift, moving away from strategies aimed at protecting protesters and towards militaristic practices designed to suppress them. This shift has been driven by a convergence of three interrelated crises: the political mobilization of marginalized social groups during the Civil Rights era, which led to a perceived crisis of democracy; the urban fiscal crisis of the 1970s; and the crime crisis associated with protests and civil disobedience in the 1960s.

Paul A. Passavant, in his book "Policing Protest," delves into this trend and explores how these crises have institutionalized a new mode of policing that prioritizes suppressing protests over protecting protesters' rights. One of the key factors that has shaped this shift is the persistent fear of black insurrection, which has haunted these reactions and continues to influence policing of protest and surveillance, particularly in response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Passavant argues that this trend of violent policing strategies against protesters is evidence of the emergence of a post-democratic state in the United States. He suggests that the increasing militarization of police forces, the use of surveillance technologies, and the criminalization of dissent are all signs of a society where the government has lost its legitimacy and is resorting to force to maintain control.

The book also provides a historical analysis of the policing of protest in the United States, tracing the roots of this trend back to the Civil Rights era and the emergence of the Black Power movement. Passavant demonstrates how the police response to these movements was characterized by violence and repression, leading to the marginalization and criminalization of black activists.

Despite the challenges posed by this trend, Passavant offers some hope for change. He suggests that there are ways to resist and challenge the militarization of police forces and the criminalization of dissent. This includes building community-based organizations that can provide support and resources to protesters, as well as advocating for policy changes that prioritize the protection of protesters' rights and the democratic process.

In conclusion, "Policing Protest" is a thought-provoking book that sheds light on the growing hostility towards protest in the United States. By examining the historical roots of this trend and the ways in which it has been institutionalized, Passavant provides a valuable analysis of the challenges facing democracy and the role of the police in maintaining order. While the book offers some hope for change, it also highlights the need for continued resistance and advocacy to protect the rights of protesters and promote a more democratic society.

Weight: 635g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478010456