The science of protests: how to shape public opinion and swing votes https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02082-5 Helen Pearson
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non-violent protests are more effective at achieving goals than are violent ones.... effectiveness of non-violent revolutionary campaigns is waning over time — in part, they say, because governments are learning how to suppress uprisings.
But there is evidence that these types of protest can have an impact. Social Change Lab asked around 2,000 people — before, during and after disruptive protests in the United Kingdom by Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion in April 20228. The protesters blockaded oil depots and glued themselves to government buildings and oil-company offices. Most people who were surveyed opposed the actions, but continued to support climate policies and Just Stop Oil’s goals to stop new fossil-fuel projects. This counters the view that disruptive action can sour public opinion on an issue.
it’s important.. to recognize that protesters are often expressing anger, grief and frustration as well as trying to drive change. “Sometimes, people have deep feelings that need a platform and a means of expression,”
“Non-violence is effective. But what’s especially effective is non-violence met by repression,”