Whose interests are they serving?

I used to be believe that western governments had the interests of their people at heart, but 'the war on terror' has steadily eroded that view. The latest media obsession about possible violent demonstrations during the upcoming G20 event for political gasbags has worn it away still further. I wondered, "why this obsession on the threat of violence?" They assume that it is inevitable. Won't all this scare talk drive ordinary folk like me away from demonstrating and encourage thugs to turn up for a bun fight?

In my negotiating techniques course, I teach that to achieve your desired result, focus on what serves your underlying interests.

Let's think - whose interests are served by violent protests? 1] The Media (more and juicy news = £££), 2] the Met Police (injured bobbys present a positive image = £££) and 3] the government (need to curtail freedom of expression = power++)

A good negotiation satisfies everyone's interests but can any policeman, politician or media mogul tell me how talking up possible violent protests serves the interests of us ordinary folk?

Suggestions Mr PM/Home Secretary/Murdoch?