Vincent Bevins discusses why mass protests did not lead to revolution, the crisis of representation and anti-politics in movements, the perception of Ukrainian protesters, the role of far-right groups in the Ukrainian revolution, Chilean President Gabriel Borage's response to social uprisings, the feminist movement in Chile, and the failure of the left's proposed constitution.
Protests are poorly equipped to bring about long-term transformative change; careful analysis, strategic decision-making, and adaptation are essential.
Representation, despite its imperfections, plays a crucial role in navigating the complex dynamics of mass protest movements.
The ability to unite with struggles in mainland China is important for the success and impact of the Hong Kong protest movement.
Deep dives
Chile: The Importance of Representation
The Chilean uprising of 2019, known as the Estaiñazo Social or Social Explosion, sent the political system into crisis. Chilean President Gabriel Borich, a member of Congress at the time, negotiated a deal on behalf of the movement to convene a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution to replace the old one put in place by Pinochet. While some in the streets viewed Borich's action as a sellout, his stepping into the representational void was essential. In contrast, the Hong Kong movement lacked such representation, leading to a protracted struggle that Beijing could simply wait out. The key lesson here is that protests are poorly equipped to make revolutions or bring about long-term transformative change. It is important to have organizations capable of careful analysis, strategic decision-making, and the ability to adapt tactics quickly. Representation, despite its imperfections, plays a crucial role in navigating these complex dynamics.
Ukraine: Imposition of Meaning
The protest movement in Ukraine, known as Maidan, came about as a response to a rise in public transportation costs. The movement had multiple factions, including Western-facing liberals, civil society activists, and far-right groups. When the crackdown on the protests resulted in an outpouring of support from society, political representatives stepped in and negotiated an agreement for a referendum on Constitutional change. This imposition of meaning onto the streets, although viewed by some as authoritarian, provided a resolution and a path towards a new constitution. While some may have considered it a sellout, accepting this imposition of meaning allowed for a more favorable outcome compared to other mass protest movements that lacked representation.
Hong Kong: Missed Opportunities
The struggle in Hong Kong lacked the ability to unite with struggles in mainland China, limiting its potential for transformative change. The movement faced challenges when it became focused on being anti-China, which led to xenophobia and ultimately isolation. Without the support or alliance with mainland struggles, the movement was limited in its power and impact. The importance of considering revolutionary history, rather than following romanticized ideas, was acknowledged by activists who wished they had paid more attention to lessons from the past. The inability to strategically navigate the relationship with China resulted in a protracted struggle that was ultimately difficult to sustain.
The Complexities of Mass Protests in Global South
The podcast episode explores the dynamics of mass protest movements in the global south. It discusses how protests in countries like Brazil, Chile, and Hong Kong are influenced by external factors, such as foreign intervention and manipulation. The episode highlights the challenges faced by social democratic movements in the global south and the tensions that arise between the social movement left and the left in power. It also examines the unique characteristics of these protests and the difficulties of achieving long-term progressive reform in the face of pre-existing power structures and external interference.
Different Dynamics in Global North and Global South
The podcast episode distinguishes between the global north and the global south in terms of protest movements. It points out that the global north, including the United States and Western European countries, has different dynamics due to its position as a powerful hegemonic force. Unlike the global south, protests in the global north are less likely to face external intervention or violent repression from military alliances like NATO. The episode also emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinct relationship each country has with the global system and the challenges faced by movements in different parts of the world.
Featuring Vincent Bevins on If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution. The second of a two-part interview on this important new book.
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