New survey and experiment data explore how fear of violence during Mexico's Drug War influences voter attitudes toward corruption. In nationally representative surveys before the 2012 presidential election, researchers discovered a link between exposure to crime and increased acceptance of corruption as a means to reduce violence.
Data & Methods
Two large-scale national surveys conducted prior to the 2012 Mexican presidential election provided baseline data on voter attitudes. A follow-up survey experiment in Mexico City manipulated perceptions of Drug War-related fear by exposing participants to different scenarios, allowing for causal inference about how these feelings affect views on corruption.
Key Findings
- Individuals exposed directly to crime showed increased willingness to accept corruption if it reduced violence - This suggests a strategic response rather than simple victimhood. - While the general population wasn't significantly scared by fear-inducing messages, those with direct experience were both more afraid and more accepting of compromised security solutions.
Why It Matters
These findings challenge existing political science theories that underestimate voter resilience in violent contexts and highlight how real-world experiences shape policy preferences differently than manipulated fears do.
