Which factors influence state violence in Mexican states at the subnational level of government? From the perspective of the maximizing model (cost-benefit calculation), this article analyzes the influence of electoral democracy and state capacities on state violence in Mexico, taking advantage of the heterogeneity of Mexican states. On the basis of the estimates of statistical models with an original panel data base, the text provides evidence to partially support the fact that, in general terms, although electoral democratization does not reduce state violence, whereas increasing state capacities does.

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