Authoritarian and resistant citizenship. Contrasting logics of violence diffusion and control in Latin America

Abstract

This chapter begins with a discussion of the concept, meaning and practice of citizenship in Latin America. It explores how the manner of its contested construction has left a legacy of social authoritarianism despite transitions from political authoritarianism to representative democracy. The chapter argues that the relationships between citizens as well as between citizens and state need to be taken into account if any meaningful, universal idea of citizenship is to be conceptualised. It outlines the patterns of violence diffusion and control in the region, and the way in which the state has encouraged a blurring of the public and private understanding of citizen security. The chapter also explores the varied forms of citizen-on-citizen violences and the authoritarian subjectivities they have nurtured. Finally, it highlights the conflicted nature of political subjectivities in Latin America and the distinct citizen practices reflected in the idea of the resistant citizen.