The Return of Street Politics: Local Demands and Transnational Frames

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed a proliferation of massive protests in Europe, including but not restricted to Greece, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Turkey or Ukraine. Protestors reacted against governments inhibiting democracy but promoting abuses of power, precarious employment, social engineering, urban gentrification, and public spending. They demanded solutions for unemployment, inequality, corruption, environmental degradation; emphasizing participative governance, job security, dignity, and subsidiarity. At the same time, the protest diffused via social media, broke national insularity and instigated transnational solidarity. This panel examines the strategies and explores transnational frames, opportunity structures and networks of protestors galvanizing support at home and solidarity abroad.