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Activism Research Network

In the 21st Century, politics is going through a process of reinvention. With people increasingly disengaged from formal politics, the space of activism and protest is expanding. From the local to international, people are ever more willing to engage in purposeful protest to realise their aims and values.

We are concerned with the study of activism globally. Because of this our case studies and projects are global. Examples of these studies include:  

  • The anti-fracking movement, in Europe and across the globe
  • The politics of Rojava in North Eastern Syria
  • How artistic practice can inform (and be informed by) activism
  • The Shahbag Movement in Bangladesh
  • Protests relating to the genetic modification of food (GMO)
  • The Arab Spring and its consequences
  • Global movements against austerity
  • The Occupy Movement,
  • The Tea Party Movement in the US.
  • Forms of populist politics across the globe

Through researching and engaging with activists and issues, we are concerned with a number of key questions, including: ‘What makes for successful activism’? ‘How can activism both inform and transform the political agenda?’ ‘What is and ought to be the relationship between academics and activists?’ How can activists and academics learn from one another?

Our research seeks to inform progressive forms of political mobilisation, through the development of evidence informed toolkits, workshops and engagement with stakeholders.

There are also opportunities for PhD study in these areas.

The group is co-directed by Professor David Bates (Politics and International Relations), and Dr Matthew Ogilvie (Sociology).

 

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Last edited: 24/06/2019 16:51:00