New survey and experiment data explore how fear of violence during Mexico's Drug War influences voter attitudes toward corruption. In nationally representative surveys before the 2012 presidential election, researchers discovered a link between exposure to crime and increased acceptance of corruption as a means to reduce violence.

## Data & Methods

Two large-scale national surveys conducted prior to the 2012 Mexican presidential election provided baseline data on voter attitudes. A follow-up survey experiment in Mexico City manipulated perceptions of Drug War-related fear by exposing participants to different scenarios, allowing for causal inference about how these feelings affect views on corruption.

## Key Findings

• Individuals exposed directly to crime showed increased willingness to accept corruption if it reduced violence - This suggests a strategic response rather than simple victimhood. - While the general population wasn't significantly scared by fear-inducing messages, those with direct experience were both more afraid and more accepting of compromised security solutions.

## Why It Matters

These findings challenge existing political science theories that underestimate voter resilience in violent contexts and highlight how real-world experiences shape policy preferences differently than manipulated fears do.