Peaceful Protests Require Vigilant Safeguards

A drift toward violence can undermine social causes and hinder effective protest. Organizers must proactively set up monitoring and security to ensure protests remain peaceful, as a descent into physical violence can harm their objectives. However, there's a balancing act between maintaining peaceful protest and ensuring it is perceived as a valid threat by those in power. In cases like the Arab Spring, government attempts to suppress protests by shutting down internet access may backfire, as such actions can escalate tensions and bolster protest momentum. Timing is crucial; intervening during protests may hinder coordination among peaceful protesters and inadvertently prolong agitation instead of quelling it.