coercief

Coercief is a Dutch adjective that corresponds to the English term “coercive.” It is used to describe actions, policies, or conditions that constrain or compel someone to act in a particular way, typically through the exercise of power, threat, or pressure. The English cognate is coercive, and the word shares the same Latin roots in coercere, meaning to restrain.

In usage, coercief appears mainly in Dutch-language legal, political science, and policy texts. It is applied to describe measures or authorities that enact control through compulsory means—for example, sanctions, detention, mandatory reporting, or surveillance. In ethical and human rights discussions, coercieve or coercief measures are assessed for proportionality, necessity, and impact on individual autonomy and rights.

In comparative context, many languages have a closely related term for coercion; in Dutch, coercief is a standard adjective, while English typically uses coercive. The concept also features in discussions of coercive diplomacy and state power, where governments seek to influence another actor’s behavior through threats or pressure, rather than through positive inducements.

Related concepts include coercion, duress, compulsion, and the distinction between coercive and non-coercive influence, such as persuasion or normative pressure. Critics of coercief-driven policies emphasize ethical concerns, potential rights violations, and long-term trust and legitimacy consequences. Supporters argue that proportional and lawful coercive measures can be necessary to maintain safety, order, or compliance with legal obligations.

See also: coercion, coercive diplomacy, duress, proportionality, human rights, law enforcement.