Post-communist fear of crime and the commercialization of security

Abstract

This article focuses on post-communist processes through which fear of the state has been transformed into fear of crime and longing for a stronger state. The communist governing technology (‘control mentality’) was buttressed by fear of the secret security complex and taboo-based management of the self (‘taboo mentality’). Risk had unequivocally negative connotations. The abrupt shift to a liberal-market ideology brought celebration of risk but also an escalating risk of crime. Two relevant developments are scrutinized: (1) the move from the state media (with their incessant ‘good news’ propaganda), to the market-based ‘bad news’ media; (2) The re-emergence of the former secret police as a new private security sector—the primary provider of risk definitions and risk management technologies.