The war on drugs in Southeast Asia as ‘state vigilantism’

This paper makes the case that existing typologies of political violence and state killing do not capture character extra-judicial killings seen in Philippines’ ongoing war on drugs, its forerunner which took place Thailand 2003. It will argue thousands murders witnessed both campaigns represent a distinct form targeted killing, is directed biopolitical form, attempting to discipline vital aspects human life. this disciplinary element raises questions vigilantism, was historically an extra-legal social control. As consequence, responds lacuna current literature, has neglected as consequence undertheorized how states utilise apparent vigilante for ends context drugs. Comparing Rodrigo Duterte Thaksin Shinawatra's tactics their respective wars it demonstrate vigilantism typological category refers intense periods extrajudicial killings, where seeks dehumanise target group while actively orchestrating style against it.