My statistical analysis is designed in two parts. As reported in this chapter, one section examines the direct influence of four aspects of democracy on state repression. Another section, presented in Chapter 5, examines the interactive influence of democracy on repression amid varying types of societal and interstate conflict. In investigating relationships, I first analyze each of the democratic characteristics individually. I then build a model using the significant variables from all the models investigated in order to evaluate the effect of diverse democratic characteristics competitively.

The Pacifying Effect of Democracy on Repression

I begin in this section with an examination of Voice: the Suffrage measure provided by Bollen (1998) and Paxton et al. (2003), as well as the Competition/Participation measure provided by Vanhanen (2000) and subsequently modified by Gates et al. (2003). This is followed by an analysis of Veto: the Veto Players measure as provided by Keefer (2002) and an indicator of Executive Constraints provided by Gurr (1974).

The influence of Voice

Voice refers to those elements of a political system that afford citizens influence over those who govern. In line with existing research, I consider two of the more prominent characteristics highlighted in the theoretical literature as well as in public policy circles, NGOs, and democratic social movements around the world.

Suffrage

In order to understand how Suffrage influences repression, I introduce the Bollen and Paxton indicator into the basic model discussed in Chapter 3.