Katrina Navickas

Katrina Navickas, a Professor of History specializing in protest and public space, and Timothy Garton-Ash, an expert on European politics and dissent, delve into the transformative power of protests throughout history. They discuss the critical conditions that lead to successful movements and the state’s reaction to public demonstrations. The duo challenges the myth of peaceful reform in Britain, highlighting pivotal moments like Peterloo, and share lessons for today's activists on the importance of nonviolent discipline and forming cross-class coalitions.

Katrina Navickas, a Professor of History with a focus on British protest, delves into her book, Contested Commons. She unpacks the evolution of public spaces like Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park, highlighting how protesters have historically claimed these areas against social elites. Navickas connects past movements—from early democracy to contemporary protests—illustrating the ongoing struggle for public access. She also discusses how modern restrictions challenge the right to protest, reflecting on the vital importance of protecting these communal spaces.

Katrina Navickas, a Professor of History at the University of Hertfordshire, dives deep into the history of protest and public spaces in England. She reveals how iconic locations like Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park transformed from common ground to contested spaces under restrictive policing. Navickas explores the connections between historical protests, from the Suffragettes to modern-day movements, and discusses ongoing struggles for public access and the right to protest in an increasingly regulated environment.