Retribution contributes to deterrence, as well as benefiting the society as a whole by promoting justice.
the actual data on this refutes that. rehabilitation focused countries overhelmingly have less recidivism.
increasing access and quality of education, early intervention like head start, wicc and other "wellfare" programs as well as free healthcare are much more likely to reduce crime rates by a significant amount.
And that fact--constant threat/change of power--makes the following difficult:
- Having an idea of societal benefit or justice that does not align with a person's feelings (leader of the ruling party)
- Owning land or real property with conveniences like electricity or water - your territory is always under threat and unless you have large numbers of allies you will eventually get swallowed or forced to obey directives of the ruling party.
Furthermore:
- Having large numbers of allies, or being part of or strongly affiliated with the ruling entity just puts you in the same situation as ruling entity which is causing the first 2 things so it can survive.