Activism in Zones of Violence and Institutional Fragility: The Case of Michoacan, Mexico

Drawing on fresh research from a large ESRC-funded team project in Mexico, I will address the challenges faced by activists or rights defenders within contexts where they are not only fearful of violence but also frustrated by the inadequacy of institutional channels. In such difficult contexts, where state institutions may well be part of the problem, it would seem that activist groups have a vital role to play. How can they make headway in the struggle for institutions that offer a real guarantee of justice?