Triggers of Public Protest (original) (raw)

The unprecedented surge in the number of global protests in 2020 shows no sign of abating. Millions of people took to the streets in 2020 to protest police racism and a diversity of interconnected social justice and economic causes. But while the internet and 24-h television news has literally electrified the speed of protest, history shows that the required emotional and organizational issues that allow protests to succeed have not changed. Over the centuries what are termed the CORE critical success factors of public protest include effective communication, cooperation, coordination, organizational skills, opportunity, resources, resourcefulness, experience, and emotional commitment. Those factors, each with context-based definitions, both ignite protests and propel their growth. At the heart of all protests is a sense of unfairness in the application of justice, in the actions of institutions and organizations, in the distribution of wealth, and in the political and policy actions of government. This perceived lack of fairness can trigger very personal emotions of fear, isolation and depression, and a transition to anger and action through focused and trusted leadership. Data shows that the growth in public protests have forced changes in institutional behavior and standards related to human rights, employee safety, workplace diversity, anti-harassment policies, environmental protection, and public health and economic policies. The tracking of protests shows successes in the downfall of political leaders and entire governments. However, trends also show that the required success factors of public protests also face equally organized and predictable tactics to disrupt, diminish, and discredit protesters.