THE NEW PROTEST CULTURE

Robert Misik in conversation with Tareq Sydiq

THE NEW PROTEST CULTURE

„People, stop watching, take to the streets, join the ranks“ is an old protester slogan. Political scientist Tareq Sydiq sheds light on the new protest culture

If an FPÖ-led government is formed in Austria, can we expect major protests? Austria has already experienced many forms of protest in recent years, from the marches of the Corona demonstrators to the sticker campaigns of the „Last Generation“. Do they have an effect on those in motion, for example as a source of courage? When are they effective and can they achieve their goals?

Protests have set many stones in motion throughout history. Protests are a resource of democracy, guaranteed as freedom of assembly and freedom of the press, protected by the rule of law. Where democracy no longer works or has to be fought for, protests are one of the means to a democratic end.

The increase and diversity of forms of protest in Europe and around the world shows that democracy has to be defended and fought for time and time again: from women burning their headscarves, to farmers blocking roads with tractors, or climate activists sticking themselves to the ground, to social media posts under hashtags such as GegenRechts, MeToo or MutZurWahrheit.

In his book, protest researcher Tareq Sydiq sheds light on the new protest culture using numerous examples and shows how they influence politics and society.

Moderation
Robert Misik, Author and journalist

Dr Tareq Sydiq, born in 1992, is a protest researcher at the Centre for Conflict Research in Marburg. He holds a doctorate in political science and specialises in protest movements around the world, having conducted research in Iran, Japan, Pakistan and England.

Tareq Sydiq:
The new protest culture
Hanser Literature Publishers, 2024, 20,- €

In co-operation with Literature ship - initiative