Toward a Comprehensive Framework of Studying Peaceful and Violent Protests

Abstract

This chapter develops an analytical framework of understanding the politics of peaceful and violent protests by focusing on not only the relations between the central state and local state but also the role of civil society and external actors. This framework can help us comprehend the politics of peaceful and violent protests. Moreover, the chapter reviews 15 perspectives on the politics of protests, namely (1) legitimacy; (2) state violence and repression; (3) organized crime, vandalism and violence; (4) political violence; (5) democratization and violence; (6) citizenship and violence; (7) social movement and violence; (8) the art of peaceful protests; (9) the relevance of totalitarianism; (10) the psychology of public fear; (11) populism and violence; (12) political symbolism; (13) anarchism and “uncivil society”; (14) insurgency; and (15) the role of the failed state. All these perspectives can help us understand the origins, dynamics and interrelationships of peaceful and violent protests in the case of Hong Kong.