Coercion

Duress
Blackmail

Nature

Coercion is the threat or use of force to constrain another agent's freedom of action. Coercion and deception are two major ways to control the actions of others without their fully voluntary cooperation. The justification of coercion is often a major part of the justification of both violent and non-violent resistance.

Background

Coercion has been recognized as a pervasive global issue since early legal codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi, sought to regulate forced actions. Its significance grew with the rise of international human rights law in the 20th century, as reports of political, economic, and social coercion highlighted its widespread impact. Increasing documentation by organizations like Amnesty International has deepened understanding of coercion’s complex manifestations across diverse societies and governance systems.

Claim

Both the state and opposition groups use coercion to achieve political ends. Gandhi used non-violent methods of coercion, a moral force on the British. Systems of law are based on coercion.