Description: What do states gain by sending citizens into the streets? Ruling by Other Means investigates this question through the lens of State-Mobilized Movements (SMMs), an umbrella concept that includes a range of (often covertly organized) collective actions intended to advance state interests. The SMMs research agenda departs significantly from that of classic social movement and contentious politics theory, focused on threats to the state from seemingly autonomous societal actors. Existing theories assume that the goal of popular protest is to voice societal grievances, represent oppressed groups, and challenge state authorities and other powerholders. The chapters in this volume show, however, that states themselves organize citizens (sometimes surreptitiously and even transnationally) to act collectively to advance state goals. Drawn from different historical periods and diverse geographical regions, these case studies expand and improve our understanding of social movements, civil society and state-society relations under authoritarian regimes.
Brief description: Grzegorz Ekiert is Laurence A. Tisch Professor of Government at Harvard University.
Review Quotes: 'This brilliant volume shines penetrating light on a hidden phenomena: state mobilization of popular action. While social movements are usually thought to only oppose state bureaucracies or contend with popular counter-movements, this book shows that this is only half the story. States routinely pursue their goals, seeking to defeat social movements by actively mobilizing pro-state movements. Combining fresh theoretical insights with coverage of cases from around the world, this is a must-read volume for anyone studying social movements and state power.' Jack A. Goldstone, George Mason University