Political repression refers to the use of state power, violence, or other forms of coercion to limit or suppress dissent and opposition within a society. This can involve the suppression of political dissent, censorship of media and information, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Political repression is often used by authoritarian governments to maintain power and control over their populations, and can have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and political participation. Researchers studying political repression explore its causes, mechanisms, and effects on individuals and society, as well as strategies for combating and preventing such abuses of power.