In the Vortex of Violence: Lynching, Extralegal Justice, and the State in Post-Revolutionary Mexico (Violence in Latin American History)

Violence in Latin American History

by Gema Kloppe-Santamaría

In the Vortex of Violence examines the uncharted history of lynching in post-revolutionary Mexico. Based on a collection of previously untapped sources, the book examines why lynching became a persistent practice during a period otherwise characterized by political stability and decreasing levels of violence. It explores how state formation processes, as well as religion, perceptions of crime, and mythical beliefs, contributed to shaping people’s understanding of lynching as a legitimate form of justice. Extending the history of lynching beyond the United States, this book offers key insights into the cultural, historical, and political reasons behind the violent phenomenon and its continued practice in Latin America today.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

229 pages, Paperback

Published August 18, 2020

Reviews

[Christopher]

Me gustó mucho. Gema hace un gran trabajo recopilando artículos periodísticos y documentos históricos que nos permiten entender mejora de forma muy clara y ordenada el fenómeno de los linchamientos. Hasta que llegué a este libro, no conocía las razones profundas que llevan a las personas a acabar con la vida de otros por rumores. Ha sido muy interesante, y me ha permitido tener varias reflexiones sobre el papel de la comunicación, las narrativas, y sobre cómo el poder se mueve en diferentes capas. Lo recomiendo.

[Ana Paula]

Extremely heavy to read but a great way to understand lynching and violent dynamics.