Introduction
This article deals with such concepts as legitimacy, state crime, hegemony and civil society. Ward and Green (2000) try to define the concepts and provide specific examples to illustrate their arguments. Notably, the authors consider the concepts on different levels. Thus, they focus on the civil society within countries and consider the global civil society. The researchers also try to explain how state crime occurs. It is necessary to add that Ward and Green (2000) employ criminological framework to analyze the concepts in question.
Data
The authors consider a number of definitions and frameworks provided by renowned researchers. Ward and Green (2000) also consider particular examples of such countries as Turkey, Chile, sub-Saharan countries. The authors also analyze the role of such international organizations as EU and WTO.
Findings
In the first place, the researchers define the state. They note that a conventional view on the society is still up-to-date as societies are entities that exercise power, can use force to defend this power and have right to levy certain taxes. Ward and Green (2000) also consider the concept of legitimacy and claim that this concept involves shared beliefs.
Though, the researchers also stress that the concept of legitimacy is closely connected with the question of degree. Hence, shared beliefs are often shared by several groups within a country. In many countries, these shared beliefs are not shared by all members of the society.
This leads to certain legitimacy deficit. Thus, the legitimacy deficit is “a discrepancy” between legitimate goals and “what can be achieved within the rules” (Ward & Green, 2000, p. 78). The authors note that the concept of legitimacy is closely connected with the concept of the civil society. The civil society is constituted by people as well as organizations (religious institutions, mass media, etc.) that share similar values and set certain goals. Ward and Green (2000) stress that a strong civil society limits state crime.
This is also associated with the concept of hegemony. Hegemony is “the ability of a ruling group” to maintain its legitimacy by justifying its practices and developing certain values (Ward & Green, 2000, p. 80). The researchers note that several types of hegemony exist and focus on ‘clientelistic’ societies where hegemony often leads to corruption and numerous violations. The ruling elites provide certain material benefits for the ruling group and secure its hegemony.
Applications
The researchers also claim that global hegemony also persists. Such organizations as the UN, the EU, the WB, the WTO, and the IMF play a significant role in securing global hegemony.
Though, Ward and Green (2000) also emphasize that global organizations often focus on such values as diminishing tortures and murders, access to education, participation in political processes, etc. At the same time, these organizations also pursue certain economic goals and justify or keep unnoticed certain state crimes due to their interests (access to oil and other natural resources, strategic alliances, etc.).
Finally, the authors note that global hegemony still affects countries and can make ruling groups reduce state crime. Shaming and labeling along with certain sanctions can be effective tools to diminish state crime if a country longs for being represented in international organizations. Therefore, the global civil society is able to spread universal values and secure basic human rights. The authors also note that understanding of the nature of hegemony, civil societies and state crime can help develop tools for diminishing state crime.
Conclusions
Ward and Green (2000) conclude that criminology provides the necessary framework for analysis of such concepts as hegemony, civil society and state crime. The researchers also note that analysis of these concepts and correlation between them can help understand the nature of state crime.
Response
This article provides valuable insights into the nature of state crime. The contemporary society can be characterized by numerous crimes and violations. Therefore, it is essential to understand the reasons for these crimes and diminish state crime. The authors provide analysis of a number of concepts and explain major peculiarities of contemporary societies. Hence, the definition of hegemony is very precise.
I agree with the authors and believe that hegemony involves sharing certain believes. I also believe that ruling groups tend to justify certain violations as they are capable of providing material benefits for certain groups in the society. I also agree that international institutions are able to affect governments. I also believe that these institutions also violate rights and keep some violations ‘unnoticed’ when they pursue their interests.
Nonetheless, I do not agree with the statement that shaming and labeling can be effective. Even though some governments strive to be represented in certain international institutions, they will continue violating people’s rights. I think only strict sanctions can force governments to stop inappropriate policies. It is also necessary to note that the article does not contain an answer to an important question. It is still unclear how understanding of state crime dynamic can diminish it and lead to development of the global civil society.
Reference List
Ward, T., & Green, P. (2000). Legitimacy, civil society, and state crime. Social Justice, 27(4), 76-93.