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The Disappointing Truth Behind a Decade of Failed Protests
Between 2010 and 2020, the world was shaken to its core with protests erupting like never before. Millions of passionate citizens took to the streets, demanding a political class that actually served them. Yet, what did these mass mobilizations achieve? Absolutely nothing! Today, it seems the world has only gotten worse. What went wrong? This is the crucial question we must tackle.
The American journalist Vincent Bevins explores this contentious issue in his provocative book If We Burn, recently released in Spain. Through over 240 interviews, Bevins dissects social movements from the Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street, culminating in instructive insights about failed uprisings.
“In the history of the revolts, it is quite common for them to fail,” says Bevins in a striking conversation. “But what happened in the 2010 was somewhat more strange: real opportunities were generated, yet those who protested were not the ones who capitalized on these revolts. The real beneficiaries were others.”
One prime example is the Tunisian Revolution. Triggered by the tragic suicide of fruit vendor Mohamed Bouazizi, the protests led to the swift downfall of the oppressive regime of Ben Ali. But did they spark meaningful change? Absolutely not! Today, Tunisia finds itself submerged once more under authoritarian rule, with Kais Saied, a dictator born from the revolution, tightening his grip since the 2019 elections.
Unwanted Outcomes: Who Truly Profited?
Bevins highlights a grim reality: across the globe, citizens rallied to expose a corrupt political system, yet they built nothing to replace it. In a disheartening twist, he points to a new form of authoritarianism—a right-wing populism that not only misidentifies the problems but threatens to erase the very concept of representation.
“Those who protested did not take advantage of the revolts; instead, the beneficiaries were others,” notes Bevins, shedding light on the tragic misfortune faced by the everyday person.
As Bevins chronicles these movements, he also critiques the journalism field: “In a scenario with a chaotic chorus of demands, one must consider the role of journalists: some pursue the truth while others impose their biased narratives,” he states. This bias distorted the essence of the movements, making their struggles seem trivial.
To further illustrate, take the case of Egypt’s Tahrir Square, where hopeful protesters yelled for democracy. However, the reality on the ground differed starkly from what Washington expected. For the Egyptians, democracy meant challenging American imperialism, creating a massive disconnect that rendered their movement powerless.
Understanding the Past to Confront the Future
Bevins warns that without strong organization, these protest movements become knee-deep in confusion, lacking proper leadership. He states with a sense of undeniable urgency: “The elites are always organized.” So, if revolutionary spirits aim to contest the ruling class, they must be equally prepared.
As we assess the unfolding chaos, what does Bevins foresee for America? “Trump has managed to disorient the population,” he observes. Yet, he holds hope that genuine movements will arise. This time, it’s time for organized resistance that goes beyond mere protests. The reality is that the ruling establishment will never bow to chaos without a credible challenge on the ground.
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