Protest
Using innovative forms of protest, new generations of activists are leading the global fight for social and environmental justice.
In recent years, governments have been toppled or forced into major policy shifts by protests in Armenia, India, Chile, Bangladesh and Serbia, to name a few. Fearless environmental activists have pushed authorities to finally take steps towards addressing the unfolding climate catastrophe. But authoritarian regimes – and supposedly liberal democracies – are pushing back with violence, repressive new laws and surveillance.
Here we highlight their stories of resistance, exploring how ordinary citizens are forcing change from the ground up from the Black Lives Matter movement through to Indigenous and LGBTQI+ rights, anti-war campaigns and environmental activism. Our original coverage also seeks to expose the tactics wielded by governments to crack down on the right to protest and the shrinking space for civil society.
Below are a selection of articles exploring the voices and movements striving for a more just and equitable world.
The UK kids skipping school for Palestine
From school strikes to assembly boycotts, Lydia Noon reports on how children are calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
How to fight the clampdown on climate activism
Governments are pushing back against climate activism with violence, anti-protest laws and prison sentences. But we can resist, writes Danny Chivers.
'I'm worried I'll burn out if others don't step up'
If you’re the only one pulling your weight in an activist group, is it time to step away? Our Agony Uncle gives some advice.
‘I fought so hard for my rights’
Ritu Mahendru speaks to Afghan women at the forefront of resisting the Taliban’s oppression, including on the streets.
‘I’ve seen how it affects people’
As opposition and protest continues against a new high-speed rail network in the UK, Denise Laura Baker meets some of those taking a stand against HS2 along the line.
Can’t pay, won’t pay
The Covid-19 crisis has triggered an international rent strike. Amy Hall reports on the housing activists hoping to build strong networks of solidarity as financial crisis and mass evictions loom.
Does celebrity activism do more harm than good?
Andrés Jiménez and Paul Cullen politely disagree on this tricky issue
Coronavirus could reshape politics as we know it
Even in times of social distancing, building a collective, social response to the pandemic is our only salvation, argues Paul Engler.
An unlikely coalition
Lucy EJ Woods heads to a mining town teaming up with Extinction Rebellion in northeast England.
The failed promise of liberal democracy
Nanjala Nyabola reflects on the ongoing cries of a discontented world.
This year in protest
Over a dozen countries saw millions take to the streets this year. Richard Swift asks if these mass revolts have anything in common.
It’s lonely on the Left in Hong Kong
Bennett Murray speaks to Avery Ng, the leader of Hong Kong’s most leftwing party within the democracy movement.
Seven ways to fight fires in the Amazon
Danny Chivers explains how those outside Latin America can act in solidarity with forest defenders.
Is pacifism appropriate for today’s world?
Can pacifism work as a strategy against violence and injustice? Tim Gee and Rahila Gupta tussle it out.
I was wrong about Extinction Rebellion. This is why.
The labour movement and environmentalists need each other, says Isaac Rose.
‘Real education happens outside the classroom’
Pacific Climate Warrior Brianna Fruean and Anna Taylor of the UK school strikes movement share notes over what inspires them and how to avoid activist burnout.
Kick ‘em all out! Citizens’ Assemblies and the next democratic revolution
Citizens’ Assemblies are being promoted as the preferred democratic tool of a new generation of activists, Brett Hennig writes.
For climate action, ‘mass civil disobedience’ is the only way
New Internationalist witnesses the launch of a bold environmentalist campaign: Extinction Rebellion.
Shell’s festival of unbelievable bullshit
Make the Future is the latest in flimsy greenwash PR from an oil company pretending it can save the world from oil companies, Darren Cullen writes.
Why we’re challenging UK Oil and Gas
Six women are fighting an injunction against drilling protests. Vicki Elcoate explains why
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Why we need Lush’s Spycop campaign
Lush’s exposure of spycop wrongs will improve policing, Jenny Jones argues.
Protests continue in Nicaragua
Social security reforms have triggered an unprecedented wave of anger against the government. Dánae Vílchez reports.
Adventures in democracy
A global social movement is rising. It is open, participatory and public, writes Jamie Kelsey-Fry.
The Battle for ZAD: Victory for anti-airport movement
The French government has abandoned plans to build a controversial airport – but is still evicting the ZAD protesters. Claire Fauset writes.
Brutal forced deportations, globalization and human rights
The Stansted 15 have exposed the hypocrisy of Britain, Ann Pettifor argues.
Six ways to be a better ally
Are you a non-black person unsure of how to support black struggles? Kristina Wong has some ideas for you.
Gina Lopez fights Philippine mining
The fiery Filipino environmentalist talks to Veronique Mistiaen.
Arrested Development
What’s left for young people today? Yohann Koshy examines the emergence of ‘millennials’ and the political activism they are engaged in.
Defame, criminalize, murder
How environment defenders are being stopped in the Global South. Leny Olivera and Sian Cowman report from Latin America.
Colonizing civil society
Political strategists brainstorm ways to remove democratic impediments to their bosses’ plans.
Homage to Catalonia
Taking the long view of fearless resistance. By Kevin Buckland, writing from Barcelona.
The people, the mine and the World Bank
A mining firm is suing Romania over an environmentalist decision. By Alessio Perrone.
Environmentalists are victors, not victims
Environmental defenders are dying, but winning important fights, writes Fran Lambrick.
This is what it takes to stand up: the essence of courage
Courage can change the world. Vanessa Baird delves into what makes some people exceptionally brave.
Peruvian elections: for the Right or the Right?
Despite the election upset, the opposition will not be silenced, writes Stephanie Boyd.
