In late 2019, Chile and Colombia witnessed mass protests of historic dimensions that united different generations, ideologies, and sectors of civil society in their dissatisfaction with their...Show moreIn late 2019, Chile and Colombia witnessed mass protests of historic dimensions that united different generations, ideologies, and sectors of civil society in their dissatisfaction with their governments, the current neoliberal model, its socio-economic policies and malaises like inequality, poverty, and violence. The mostly peaceful and brutally repressed protests vary in their immediate political outcomes. While the Chilean case can be considered a success story, which achieved the start of a constitutional reform process, Colombia’s protests did not induce any significant political transformation. Why do protests with similar characteristics lead to different short-term political outcomes? Applying a comparative case study of the most-similar cases of the 2019-2020 mass protests in Chile and Colombia, this study argues that classic explanations regarding endogenous and exogenous variables of social movements fall short of explaining these different outcomes. Instead, this article suggests that short-term protest “success” and “failure” can be better explained by a society’s history of repression and its consequences for collective experience with protest mobilization. This proposed hypothesis is based on a theoretical framework combining social movement literature and research on the repression-mobilization relationship and is examined in a document analysis of material from a wide array of sources on the protests.Show less
Social Movements around the world have used various framing devices to spread information about their movements ethos and modus operandi. Significant devices that have been used include digital...Show moreSocial Movements around the world have used various framing devices to spread information about their movements ethos and modus operandi. Significant devices that have been used include digital technologies and creative activism. This paper analyses how digital technologies and creative activism combined together in digital art can serve as a successful framing device for social movements. To do so, it examines the digital art created by Sudanese artists during the Sudanese Resistance Movement of 2019. During this Revolution, the artworks were spread rapidly across the web. They served as a suitable device for the movement, as it was seen as a loophole through which artists and activists could convey political messages, without direct confrontation. Furthermore, the artworks served as vehicles to spread information about the ongoing situation in Sudan, especially when formal media platforms were lacking. And finally, the artworks generated a sense of solidarity and unity amongst the movements participants, through symbolic illustrations and adaptations of iconic images. Due to the characteristic of the artworks being digital, the information was being spread across social media. Consequently leading to more awareness on a domestic and transnational level by challenging the notions of political and social awakening in Sudan.Show less
This paper talks about the influence of the Cultural Revolution in a global context. 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of a remarkable year: 1968, during which the Mai 68 events of France and the...Show moreThis paper talks about the influence of the Cultural Revolution in a global context. 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of a remarkable year: 1968, during which the Mai 68 events of France and the 68er-Bewegung of West Germany happened. In the 1960s, mobilised struggles evolved into new social movements, whose formation was largely influenced by the Maoist Cultural Revolution in China. This article analyses the role of Chinese Cultural Revolution in shaping the new social movements in 1960s Western Europe (France and West Germany) and the communications of the Cultural Revolution from China to the Western European recipients. The paper finds that the Cultural Revolution inspired the 1960s Western European social movement with new elements including a grass-roots approach, anti-authoritarian label and the students’ leadership. The Cultural Revolution reshaped the pattern of French social movement but brought inspiration to West German far-left terrorism.Show less
After the Eurozone crisis, the problem rooted in the Spanish political system exposed and the population wanted to create an alternative democracy to replace the dominant one, a series of social...Show moreAfter the Eurozone crisis, the problem rooted in the Spanish political system exposed and the population wanted to create an alternative democracy to replace the dominant one, a series of social movements were initiated afterwards. This thesis aims to deliver an analysis regarding the influence of using cyberspace in a contemporary social movement, Acampada Sol (Occupying La Puerta del Sol). By applying the "Imagined Community" theory from Benedict Anderson, I found that the changing material condition and technological development would affect the way people participate in the social movement. Looking at the application of the latest online technology, Acampada Sol demonstrates a new way of doing social movements.Show less
This thesis provides an in-depth analysis on the #NiUnaMenos movement in Argentina which will show that the movement has correctly framed its social movement action by being congruent and having...Show moreThis thesis provides an in-depth analysis on the #NiUnaMenos movement in Argentina which will show that the movement has correctly framed its social movement action by being congruent and having credibility which has resulted into a unification of power through mass mobilization which has directly confronted the state and society in general. Therefore #NiUnaMenos can be described as an influential actor to combat violence against women in Argentina.Show less
Master thesis | Theology and Religious Studies (Master)
open access
In May 2013, when green activists heard that the trees at Gezi Park would be replaced by a shopping mall, a mosque and the Topcu Kislasi, they started occupying the Park. Due to the extreme force...Show moreIn May 2013, when green activists heard that the trees at Gezi Park would be replaced by a shopping mall, a mosque and the Topcu Kislasi, they started occupying the Park. Due to the extreme force of the police to dislodge these activists, a city awakened and something amazing happened. All colors of Istanbul came together!Show less
