Social Movements

The Elections You May Not Have Noticed

Jim Wallis | Posted 11.05.2009 | Politics


Jim Wallis

I think as people continue to see so much of politics as usual in this town -- partisan bickering and big money buying votes -- they are increasingly likely to vote against whatever represents the old politics for them.

Hechler's Wake Up Call to Greens and Liberals: Big Coal Denial Calls for Hellraisers

Jeff Biggers | Posted 09.13.2009 | Green


Jeff Biggers

Tragic lessons in history remind us that the coal crisis and its deniers call for more hellraisers, not compromise.

A.T. Ariyaratne: Leading Sri Lanka's Largest Civil Society Movement for 50 Years

Anuradha K. Herath | Posted 09.10.2009 | World


Anuradha K. Herath

The meek 77-year-old Ariyaratne, often called the "Gandhi of Sri Lanka," has become popular for his massive meditation sessions in which hundreds of thousands of people converge to pray for peace.

Courage Contagion: Social Influence in Protests

Jamil Zaki | Posted 07.30.2009 | World


Jamil Zaki

The last few weeks in Iran have reminded us of many things we'd rather not remember about governments, and of at least one thing that we should remember about people: they can stand up for their beliefs even when doing so poses great risk.

Framing the Green Revolution in Red

Cynthia Boaz | Posted 07.17.2009 | Media


Cynthia Boaz

The Green Revolution is not just a series of ad hoc protests against a political theft, it is a story of widespread resistance to ongoing oppression.

Koreans Still Have a Beef With US Free Trade Deal?

Todd Howland | Posted 01.25.2009 | World


Todd Howland

As we begin to reflect back on 2008, how tens and sometimes hundreds of thousands of Koreans turned out for 40 nights in a row of street protests against US beef imports deserves some reflection.

Transitioning the Obama Movement

Amitai Etzioni | Posted 12.08.2008 | Politics


Amitai Etzioni

The newly politically engaged youth -- groomed in an election campaign but not fashioned as a standing political force -- will be at loss as to what they can do.

Dealing with Racism in the Age of Obama

Howard Winant | Posted 12.07.2008 | Politics


Howard Winant

Obama's win hardly puts an end to this system of racism, but it's still momentous, because it shows us a way forward, a way to reduce if not eliminate racial injustice and inequality.