Vincent Bevins, author of If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution, discusses protests from 2010-2020 and the impact of social media on these movements. The podcast also covers the influence of viral videos, the consequences of historical change, content limitations, and failed re-elections. Interspersed with lighthearted banter and discussions about clown masks and the name Vincent.
The impact of social media on protest movements highlights both the potential for democratization and the limitations of relying solely on virtual organizing.
The adoption of similar tactics and messaging across different national contexts can undermine the diverse and specific aspirations of different movements.
A balanced approach that combines horizontalism with deliberate organization and selection of leaders is essential to avoid having representation imposed by external forces.
Successful protest movements require deliberate organization, clear goals, and the ability to adapt and make pragmatic decisions in complex political environments.
Deep dives
The Impact of Digital Revolution on Protest Movements
The book explores the impact of social media and the internet on protest movements across the world. It highlights how the promise of the digital revolution, with its democratization and direct democracy, shaped the emergence of large leaderless movements. However, it also critiques the horizontalist approach and highlights the limitations of relying solely on social media for organizing. The book emphasizes the importance of deliberate organization and selection of leaders to avoid having representation imposed by the media or other powerful forces. It argues that while the internet allowed for global solidarity and inspiration, it also replicated the same power structures that exist in society.
Flattening of Space and Time
The book discusses how the internet and social media flattened space and time, allowing for the transfer of solidarity between protest movements around the world. However, it also highlights the challenges of this flattening and the adoption of similar tactics and messaging across different national contexts. The media often viewed these protests through a similar lens, failing to understand the diverse and specific aspirations of different movements. This led to the selection of spokespersons and representation that may not accurately reflect the goals and aspirations of the movements themselves.
Critiques of Horizontalism
The book offers potent critiques of the horizontalist approach often adopted by protest movements. It traces the historical roots of horizontalism and explores the tension between horizontalism and the emergence of leaders or structures. The author argues that emphasizing leaderlessness can lead to the emergence of unselected leaders or structures, often imposed by external forces or those with the most influence or resources. The book suggests the need for a balanced approach, drawing on historical lessons from figures like Lenin and urging movements to drink from many fountains and consider a range of organizational strategies.
Importance of Organizational Structure
The book emphasizes the importance of deliberate organization and structure within protest movements. It highlights how movements that were already well-organized and had clear goals before the protests began were often more successful in achieving their objectives. The author argues against a total rejection of existing structures and points out that movements need to adapt to changing circumstances and make pragmatic decisions to effectively navigate complex political environments. The book suggests that a balance between organization and horizontalism is crucial for the success of protest movements.
The evolving nature of protests and the challenge of representation
Over the past decade, there has been a shift in activism towards a greater emphasis on representation and organizational structure. Deviating from more horizontal and anarchist approaches, many protest movements have recognized the importance of building effective organizations and structures to enact meaningful change. The initial euphoria of spontaneous protests, like those witnessed in Brazil and Egypt, revealed the need for cohesive leadership and clear messaging. While some on the left still resist power and organization, it is increasingly recognized that power vacuums in movements can be filled by less desirable forces. Building the best means for collective and democratic action amidst the complexities of modern society remains a challenge.
The influence of media on protests and the danger of media manipulation
The media plays a powerful role in shaping public perception and the outcome of protests. It has the capacity to alter reality and manipulate the direction of movements. The media's ability to frame narratives and select specific individuals as representatives can have significant consequences. Throughout history, the media has often portrayed protesters in a negative light, highlighting the actions of the most extreme or misguided participants. This tactic can undermine the legitimacy and goals of a movement. While media critique is essential, the total destruction of existing journalism can lead to the rise of unreliable sources and corporate manipulation. The challenge lies in responsibly analyzing the political economy of media and continually working towards better journalism practices.
The importance of maintaining organizational structure and strategic action
While there may be a natural inclination to reject power and structure, it is crucial to recognize the value of strategic action and organizational structure in effecting meaningful change. The evolution of protest movements over the past decade has shown the limitations of purely horizontal and individualistic approaches. In many instances, movements that lacked clear structures or effective leadership struggled to maintain their momentum or achieve their desired goals. Understanding the history of successful revolutionary movements and critically analyzing their methods can provide valuable insights into the need for organized collective action. It is essential to strike a balance between individual autonomy and the benefits of strategic coordination.
The parallels between global protest movements and the danger of simplistic approaches
Global protest movements have often been inspired by simplistic and idealized narratives portrayed in movies, such as 'V for Vendetta.' The idea that a perfect riot or an act of destruction can lead to spontaneous positive change is flawed. These notions fail to consider the complexities of society and the need for long-term strategic planning and sustained action. While these feelings of empowerment and connection are important, they can also be dangerous when they become the sole focus or desired result. Successful movements require a deep understanding of history, strategic planning, and the willingness to engage in difficult and sustained organizing efforts.
We welcome Vincent Bevins back to the show to chat about his new book If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution (hachettebookgroup.com/titles/vincent-bevins/if-we-burn/9781541788978/?lens=publicaffairs). Starting with the June 2013 protests in Brazil, we walk through the last ten years of uprisings in various cities around the world, what was learned, what wasn’t, and what is to be done.
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