The Politics of Exit: Emigration, Collective Action and Agrarian Reform in Mexico

How does the presence of individual exit options, like emigration, influence citizen collective action and political change?

Emily Sellars explores this question and more in her book “The Politics of Exit: Emigration, Collective Action, and Agrarian Reform in Mexico,” where she examines historical evidence on emigration, agrarian collective action, land redistribution and government repression in Mexico from 1917-2000 and in El Salvador from the 1960s through the 1980s.

She argues that the availability of exit options complicates collective action in two ways: first, those who can leave become less willing to invest in uncertain and costly efforts to effect political change at home. Second, the possibility of exit lowers others’ assessments about whether community collective action can be successful, reducing everyone’s willingness to mobilize, whether or not they have access to exit options themselves. This demobilization, she argues, makes it easier for authorities to avoid reforms, further encouraging individuals to seek exit where possible.

On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 12:30-2:00 PM EDT, join us for a hybrid event featuring Emily Sellars, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Yale University, on her book and the mechanisms behind emigration and political change.

This event is part of the Fall 2024 Human Capital Initiative Research Seminar Series. A complimentary lunch will be provided beginning at 12:30 PM, with the seminar commencing at 1:00 PM.

Register to attend online: https://gdpcenter.org/HCI-Zoom-Sellars-2024