# Understanding Violent Contagion

This study investigates whether anti-government violence exhibits spatial dependence across state boundaries. It specifically asks how much cross-national diffusion occurs and examines the role of information in this process.

### Communication Technology: The Missing Link

The article argues that while communication technology provides actors with awareness of conflicts elsewhere, its impact on emulation has been previously overlooked due to a focus on large-scale conflicts like civil wars.

### New Methodology

It introduces an innovative spatial connectivity matrix incorporating both geographic contiguity and access to modern communication technologies as key variables.

## Results in Africa (2000-2011)

Analyzing all anti-government violence incidents across 44 African countries during this period, the research finds support for its argument that information dissemination plays a crucial role in cross-border violent emulation.

Key Findings & Implications

* Violence transmission isn't just physical proximity-based but significantly influenced by communication access.

* Emulation requires awareness; increased info channels enhance contagion potential even across borders.

* This nuanced understanding offers new insights for conflict prevention policy.