Introduction
Protest movements swept the globe last year — so widely that some experts said there were more protests, and more protesters, in 2019 than at any other time in history. Millions of citizens in dozens of countries took to the streets to protest a host of grievances, ranging from higher consumer prices to government corruption and social inequality. Thousands died; national leaders were forced from office. Experts differ on whether the wave of protests is a sign of failing democracy or of healthy citizen empowerment. But the deadly global spread of the coronavirus this year halted most street protests, at least temporarily, as governments enforced social distancing restrictions in hopes of preventing further infections — and perhaps in some cases in hopes of breaking the protests' momentum. Many movements took their campaigns online, but how successfully remains to be seen. Social media enables protesters to organize effectively and promote their causes widely. Yet some observers argue that a social media campaign dissipates quickly if organizers cannot meet their followers' expectations.
Two protesters hold flares aloft during a demonstration to protest government corruption and mismanagement that drew thousands to Beirut in October. Lebanon was one of many countries that were convulsed in protests last year. (Rayya Haddad)
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Protest Movements and Counter Culture |
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Jun. 05, 2020 |
Corporate Activism |
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May 01, 2020 |
Global Protest Movements |
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Jan. 05, 2018 |
Citizen Protests |
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Aug. 28, 1998 |
Student Activism |
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Jan. 04, 1991 |
The Growing Influence of Boycotts |
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Aug. 22, 1986 |
Student Politics 1980s Style |
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May 13, 1983 |
Christian Peace Movement |
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Apr. 08, 1970 |
Politics and Youth |
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Nov. 19, 1969 |
Challenges for The 1970s |
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Aug. 21, 1968 |
Reorganization of the Universities |
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Jan. 10, 1968 |
Universities and the Government |
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Jan. 03, 1968 |
Peace Movements in American Politics |
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Oct. 12, 1966 |
Alienated Youth |
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Feb. 24, 1966 |
Protest Movements in Time of War |
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May 19, 1965 |
Campus Unrest |
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Aug. 14, 1963 |
Mass Demonstrations |
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Dec. 11, 1957 |
Student Movements |
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Aug. 17, 1939 |
Conscientious Objection to War |
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