Demonstration Democracy
Gordon And Breach, Science Publishers, Inc. New York, NY (1970)
122 Pages Posted: 29 Jan 2018
Date Written: 1970
Abstract
On the heels of the Civil Rights Movement, Gordon and Breach Science Publishers published Demonstration Democracy (1970), a distinctive policy paper that analyzes the dynamics of demonstration movements. Nearly 50 years on, energetic contemporary movements—Occupy Wall Street, Black Lives Matter, and the Women’s March on Washington, for example—have given Demonstration Democracy renewed significance. These and other demonstrations once again turn to old questions: What is the relationship of mass demonstrations to democracy? Can governments prevent impassioned protest from becoming street violence? Under what conditions are demonstrations most effective? How can governments show responsiveness to public pressure when faced with a demonstration movement? Demonstration Democracy put special emphasis on the difference between non-violent and violent demonstrations. For most recent discussion of the subject, see “Notes for Antifa from a Former ‘Terrorist’”, Boston Review (2017).
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation