Threats and Force: Repression and Externalization of Domestic Pressure by Latin American Leaders, 1946-82

Do political leaders respond to domestic political and economic challenges with the use of force at home and abroad? The foreign policy and world politics literatures are replete with references to political leaders' alleged use of external conflict when confronted with domestic challenges, but does not consider domestic responses to dissent. The comparative literature identifies a strong linkage between domestic challenges and political leaders' resort to repressive policies, but ignores the option of foreign conflict. We contend that foreign conflict and repression are complementary, rather than exclusive, strategies leaders may use in their efforts to maintain political power in the face of domestic pressure. In addition, we incorporate the notion that the level of domestic political constraints conditions the opportunity and likelihood of selecting either repression or foreign conflict in response to domestic challenges. To examine the relationships between domestic threats and the..