New research explores how large youth populations affect government policies against political dissent.

Data & Methods: Statistical analysis of 1976-2000 data controlling for other factors known to influence state repression.

* Findings show governments facing a "youth bulge" significantly increase repressive measures, despite the perception that these cohorts pose an antigovernment threat.

* This relationship remains even after accounting for actual levels of protest activity, indicating a preemptive strategy against perceived political instability.

Why It Matters: The study underscores the importance of incorporating demographic factors into empirical models studying state behavior.

The results confirm states respond to large youth cohorts by increasing repression, challenging assumptions about their motivations and suggesting these features should be central variables in future research.