Informerphobia: Understanding the 'fear factor' in crimeand terrorism-related information disclosure in Afghanistan

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Contributions to Conflict Management, Peace Economics and Development

Publication Date

12-1-2012

Abstract

Purpose - This chapter aims to coin, unpack, and illustrate the concept and societal impact of informerphobia. This is the fear of people to report information on (threatening) violence and terrorism to the state agencies that are formally tasked to respond to these threats. Methodology/approach - This chapter is a theoretical exercise, combining insights from general sociology, organization studies, military studies and the literature on good governance. The illustration pertaining to Afghanistan is based on previous fieldwork in the region. Findings - The chapter points at the importance of having properly functioning state agencies that have to be flexible, decentralized, and truly bureaucratic in the Weberian sense of the word. In addition, a civic culture of ordinary people producing counterpressure is indispensable to make the state agencies more effective. Originality/value of the paper - The concept is brand new as is its elaboration and application to Afghanistan. Copyright © 2012 by Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Volume

19

First Page

167

Last Page

184

DOI

10.1108/S1572-8323(2012)0000019014

ISSN

15728323

ISBN

9781780526386

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