The mass protests spreading from Cairo to Istanbul, Madrid to Santiago, and from Tunis to São Paulo, all demonstrate that millions worldwide seek more just, dignified and humane societies. In fact, an analysis of recent protests in 90 countries suggests that achieving “real democracy” is a major theme in most street protests.
It would be naïve to believe, however, that protestors’ demands are all directly related to human and minority rights. Nor does this new mobilization signify a definitive break with conventional social organisations and institutions.
Still, recent mass protests highlight features increasingly prevalent in today’s world: a multiplicity of actors and struggles, widespread critique and a crisis of representation of public institutions, and the increasing political empowerment of individuals.
