Emerging emotions in the face of the necropower of organized crime: Between domination and agency

Abstract

The present study is based on a collaborative autoethnographic approach in a city in the state of Tamaulipas, located on the northern border of Mexico, to explore the emotions generated by the necropower exercised by organized crime to control and dominate territories and naturalize their violent practices. Fear is the predominant emotion, it influences the configuration of spaces as dangerous, it limits spatial practices and sociality, allowing the survival of the inhabitants, but also facilitating domination. Anger and sadness are emotions that open possibilities of agency, since they promote the recognition of vulnerability and exhaustion, the denunciation of crimes, political protest, and an empathetic response to victims. However, when there is insufficient protection from the State, threatened citizens prioritize individual management of protection and discomfort, given the risk of retaliation due to collective mobilization.