Trickle-Down ethnic politics: drunk and absent in the Kenya police force (1957-1970)
Oliver Vanden Eynde
- Function: Author
- PersonId: 1284343
- IdHAL: oliver-vanden-eynde
- ORCID: 0000-0002-2396-1248
Oliver Kühn
- Function: Author
- PersonId: 876128
Patrick M.
- Function: Author
Moradi Alexander
- Function: Author
Abstract
How does ethnic politics affect the state's ability to provide policing services? Using a panel of administrative personnel data on the full careers of 6,784 police officers, we show how the rise of ethnic politics around Kenya's independence influenced policemen's behavior. We find a significant deterioration in discipline after Kenya's first multiparty election for those police officers of ethnic groups associated with the ruling party. These effects are driven by a behavioral change among these policemen. We find no evidence of favoritism within the police. Instead, our results are consistent with co-ethnic officers experiencing an emboldenment effect. Our findings highlight that the state's security apparatus, at its most granular level, is not insulated from ethnic politics.
Domains
Economics and FinanceSubmission Type | Notice |
---|---|
Deposit type | Journal articles |
Title |
en
Trickle-Down ethnic politics: drunk and absent in the Kenya police force (1957-1970)
|
Abstract |
en
How does ethnic politics affect the state's ability to provide policing services? Using a panel of administrative personnel data on the full careers of 6,784 police officers, we show how the rise of ethnic politics around Kenya's independence influenced policemen's behavior. We find a significant deterioration in discipline after Kenya's first multiparty election for those police officers of ethnic groups associated with the ruling party. These effects are driven by a behavioral change among these policemen. We find no evidence of favoritism within the police. Instead, our results are consistent with co-ethnic officers experiencing an emboldenment effect. Our findings highlight that the state's security apparatus, at its most granular level, is not insulated from ethnic politics.
|
Authors |
Oliver Vanden Eynde
1, 2
, Oliver Kühn
, Patrick M.
, Moradi Alexander
1
PJSE -
Paris Jourdan Sciences Economiques
( 1171428 )
- 48 boulevard Jourdan 75014 Paris
- France
2
PSE -
Paris School of Economics
( 301309 )
- 48 boulevard Jourdan 75014 Paris
- France
|
Journal |
|
Volume |
10
|
Number |
3
|
Page number |
388-417
|
Fulltext language |
English
|
Science popularization |
No
|
Peer-reviewed |
Yes
|
Audience |
International
|
Publication date |
2018-08
|
Domain |
|
DOI | 10.1257/pol.20160384 |
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