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.

Join popular historian Alex von Tunzelmann, protest historian Katrina Navickas, and playwright Joe Ward-Munrow as they unravel the myth of Ned Ludd, a symbol of workers' rights. They explore cross-dressing Luddite protests and their implications for identity and community. The discussion dives deep into how Ned’s legend reflects ongoing struggles against technology in labor rights, linking historical resistance to contemporary anxieties around AI. With insights on societal fears and the enduring legacy of the Luddites, this conversation is both thought-provoking and entertaining.