The power of protest: examining mass mobilization’s impact on social change

Do protests matter? Can mass mobilisations truly drive social change? Recent events in Greece have reignited this longstanding debate about protest efficacy. Throughout history, mobilisations have been a defining feature of democratic processes. From civil rights movements in the United States to the Arab Spring and anti-austerity demonstrations across Europe, mass gatherings have played a critical role in shaping policy debates, shifting social attitudes, and driving meaningful change. Yet, the effectiveness of protests remains an open question in academic literature.