Dynamics of Protests in China (1989-2022): A Strategic Analysis of the Logic of Protest and Collective Action

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Payam Noor University, Department of Political Science

2 PhD student, University of Tehran, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Tehran, Iran.

3 Master of Political Science at Payam Noor Qochan University

10.22080/jpir.2024.25979.1348

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of protest dynamics in China from 1989 to 2022. It hypothesizes that the characteristics of protests and government responses have systematically changed over time, reflecting broader socio-political changes. The theory of protest logic and social movement frameworks were used to analyze these changes. Using a descriptive-analytical approach, historical and contemporary protest events in China were examined, focusing on causal factors, types of protest, and government responses. It is stated that protests have shifted from broader political-economic issues to more specific grievances, and government responses have changed accordingly. The results confirmed a significant change in protest dynamics, with early protests often leading to systematic political-economic concerns, while recent events, especially in 2022, focused on specific issues such as infrastructure shortages, corruption, and COVID-19 policies. The government's approach has evolved from initial repressive tactics to more subtle protest management strategies, especially for widespread dissent. These findings contribute to understanding collective action in authoritarian contexts, highlighting the complex interplay between social grievances, government responses, and historical conditions. This study demonstrates that protest diversity and evolution in China depend on the type of protest, historical context, and government approach, emphasizing the need for context-specific analysis of collective action dynamics.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Journal of Politics and International Relations
Volume 7, Issue 14 - Serial Number 14
November 2024
Pages 301-325

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