Consequences of the monopoly of violence outside the State

Alberto Mudjadju"

The monopoly of violence outside the state can have serious and far-reaching consequences. It can lead to violence and instability, because the lack of state control over violence can result in a situation of anarchy, where armed groups and individuals can act with impunity, causing violence and instability. Similarly, it can foster organized crime, as it can allow criminal groups to establish themselves and expand their activities, leading to an increase in crime and violence. The lack of state control over violence can also lead to terrorism, as terrorist groups are allowed to establish themselves and plan attacks, threatening national and international security. This state deficiency can discourage investment and economic development, leading to poverty and social inequality. It can also lead to serious human rights violations, including murder, torture, and enforced disappearances. We have a clear example in the Portuguese-speaking world in Brazil, where the Comando Vermelho stands out. Regarding the monopoly of the use of violence outside the state, some positive aspects can be observed, such as self-defense, which can allow communities to defend themselves against external threats, such as criminal or terrorist groups, as well as resistance, where resistance groups organize and fight against oppressive and occupying regimes. The monopoly of violence outside the state can generate innovation on the part of individuals, because it can allow the development of innovative solutions to security and justice problems. It should be noted that the consequences of the monopoly of violence outside the state depend on the context and the nature of the group or individual who holds the power.

Organized crime is a classic example of a monopoly on violence outside the state. This process follows several criteria, such as a clear hierarchical structure with leaders who exert control over members and operations; territorial control, as it generally controls specific territories where it exerts influence and power; the use of violence is employed to maintain control and protect its interests; and bribery and corruption are also common, since organized crime frequently corrupts authorities and public officials to obtain advantages and impunity. Organized crime has been gaining ground for some time. For example, some organizations that have challenged state forces include the Italian Mafia (Cosa Nostra, Comoro, and 'Ndrangheta), which are criminal organizations that exercise a monopoly on violence in certain regions of Italy. Drug cartels (Mexican drug cartels, such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Los Zetas Cartel, are examples of criminal organizations that exercise a monopoly on violence in certain regions of Latin America; the Japanese Yakuza is a Japanese criminal organization that exercises a monopoly on violence in certain regions of Japan). Organized crime denotes several consequences such as: Violence and Instability; Corruption and impunity; Economic Impact. The first can lead to violence and instability affecting public safety and economic development, the second can corrupt authorities and public officials, leading to impunity and distrust in the justice system, and finally, the third can have a negative impact on economic development, discouraging investment and tourism.

2025/12/3