Execution videos can be used to threaten politicians or demand specific government actions, effectively capturing local political domains through high-profile violence. Symbolic and Ritualistic Violence
The proliferation of these videos has profound consequences: mexican-cartel-execution-video
By broadcasting acts of extreme cruelty, criminal organizations instill a "social function" of fear that goes beyond the death of a single victim. This terror discourages "snitching" and ensures compliance with extortion demands. Execution videos can be used to threaten politicians