The Global Protest Phenomenon: A Look at the Unprecedented Citizen Outcry in 2023
The year 2023 has seen an unprecedented surge of anti-government protests happening around the world. According to Carnegie’s Global Protest Tracker, a total of eighty-three countries have experienced new protests, with several nations witnessing significant citizen unrest for the first time in the past five years.
Countries such as Denmark, French Polynesia, Mozambique, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Suriname, and Sweden have all been added to the list of nations where citizen demonstrations have occurred. In addition, ongoing protests from previous years have continued in various other countries, including teachers’ protests in Hungary, anti-ruling party demonstrations in Bangladesh, and opposition displays in Tunisia.
A large portion of these protests were motivated by citizen dissatisfaction with attacks on democracy and efforts by political leaders to consolidate their power. For instance, Poland observed around a million citizens taking to the streets to protest against the Law and Justice Party’s alleged assault on democratic institutions. In Israel, hundreds of thousands protested against proposed judicial reforms that were seen as undermining government checks and balances. Likewise, tens of thousands of citizens in Georgia rallied against a bill targeting “foreign agents” that bore similarity to legislation used by Russian President Vladimir Putin to suppress dissent.
Economic grievances have also played a significant role in prompting citizens to protest in 2023. Rising prices in countries like Pakistan, Portugal, and Slovenia led to public demonstrations, while monetary policy and cash shortages sparked protests in Ghana and Nigeria. In France, proposed pension reforms triggered widespread strikes and protests, while other countries such as Haiti and Burkina Faso witnessed citizens protesting against inadequate security and protection from violent gangs.
The Israel-Hamas conflict also served as a catalyst for global protests. Demonstrations in support of Israel took place in numerous countries, including Austria, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Conversely, support for Palestine was evident in protests held in over eighty countries, with calls for a ceasefire heard in cities such as Baghdad, Istanbul, London, New York, and Washington.
Moreover, protests related to the violation of women’s rights, land and environmental disputes, and climate change have gained momentum. Thousands demanded an end to gender-based violence in France and Italy, while calls for safe abortions were made in Mexico, Poland, and the United States. In addition, environmental protests erupted in various countries, with citizens calling for greater government action to address climate change in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States.
As we continue to witness widespread citizen outcry across various countries, it is clear that the voices of the people are a powerful force in driving social and political change. The impact of these protests on shaping the policies and priorities of governments cannot be understated, and the continued momentum of these movements underscores the importance of citizens in holding their leaders accountable.
