In recent times, there has been a notable increase in global protests advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, marking a continuation of a decade-long trend of heightened civil unrest worldwide, which experienced a temporary downturn during the pandemic. The demonstration landscape has witnessed mass gatherings, street blockades, and efforts aimed at disrupting arms manufacturing facilities.
However, amidst this collective outcry, participants often face scrutiny and scepticism regarding the effectiveness of such protests, with the recurring question being: “It doesn’t make a difference, so why bother?” The Home Secretary recently echoed this sentiment, questioning the objectives of these protests, suggesting they offer nothing new.
Despite widespread public perception in the UK that protests rarely yield results, examples abound where collective action has indeed influenced significant changes. Earlier in 2024, French farmers’ blockades compelled the government to make concessions, while India’s farmer movement successfully pressured the government to improve crop prices. Similarly, mass protests in Budapest concerning a child sex abuse scandal prompted legislative action from the Prime Minister. Moreover, last year’s demonstrations and street blockades in Panama led to the closure of one of the world’s largest copper mines by the government.
Academic research corroborates the efficacy of protests, citing instances such as workers’ protests shaping Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal in the US and impeding the adoption of austerity measures in high-income democracies. Notably, colonialism faced persistent resistance, exemplified by non-violent civil disobedience campaigns.
Despite these demonstrable impacts, the prevailing sentiment remains sceptical, possibly rooted in the systemic nature of the issues prompting protests, such as exploitation and racism, which necessitate broader structural reforms.
Analysing the dynamics of effective protest movements reveals several key factors:
1. Disruption: While disruptive protests can be contentious, they have proven effective. The anti-fracking movement’s success in obstructing operations led to the abandonment of fracking altogether. However, disruptive actions also risk repression, evidenced by recent government measures to criminalise such protests.
2. Political Support: Protest movements often rely on political endorsement to push issues onto the agenda. In a recent example, anti-government protests against a controversial “foreign agents law” gained momentum with support from key figures, ultimately forcing the withdrawal of the legislation.
3. Persistence: Long-term campaigns are often necessary for impactful change. The decision to cease funding coal projects worldwide followed a decade-long campaign by climate activists.
Despite concerns over their immediate impact, participation in protests offers empowering experiences and fosters valuable skills and networks for future political engagement. Research underscores the lasting effects of protest participation on individuals’ lives.
The ongoing movement for a Gaza ceasefire, while facing challenges, has already begun to fracture support for the Israeli government and prompted international discourse on a ceasefire. It highlights the enduring relevance of protest as a catalyst for change, both politically and socially.
As the global landscape continues to witness heightened civil dissent, the debate over the efficacy of protest remains central, emphasising the need for nuanced understanding and acknowledgment of its potential to instigate meaningful transformation.
