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Which countries have the most successful public protests for social change?

Tyrin Lippi

Well, well, well, fellow social media users, it seems like we have a burning question on our hands. Which countries have had the most successful public protests for social change? Now that's a question that could definitely spark some spicy debates. And honestly, I am so ready for it.

First and foremost, let's define what we mean by "successful." Does it mean that the protesters received everything they wanted? Does it mean that the government actually made changes based on their demands? Or does it mean that the protests didn't end in utter chaos and mayhem? Personally, I think it's a bit of a combination of all three.

So, who's on the top of the list for successful public protests? Well, it's hard to say definitively, but here are a few countries that have definitely made some waves in recent years:

1. Chile: The protests that erupted in Chile in 2019 were absolutely massive. The trigger was a subway fare hike, but it quickly expanded to encompass a whole range of issues, from income inequality to police brutality. Ultimately, the protests resulted in a new constitution being drafted and a referendum to approve it being scheduled for later this year.

2. Hong Kong: The ongoing protests in Hong Kong have been going on since 2019 and show no signs of slowing down. The protesters are demanding greater democracy and autonomy from mainland China, and have faced increasing violence and repression from the authorities in response. However, they have succeeded in getting the world's attention and putting pressure on the Chinese government.

3. Sudan: In 2018 and 2019, Sudan saw a massive wave of protests that led to the ousting of President Omar al-Bashir, who had been in power for 30 years. The protesters were demanding an end to his authoritarian rule and greater economic opportunities. While the situation in Sudan is still far from perfect, this was definitely a major victory for the protesters.

4. Lebanon: In 2019, the people of Lebanon took to the streets to demand an end to corruption and economic mismanagement. The protests were massive, with people from all walks of life participating. In the end, the Prime Minister resigned and the government promised to make changes. However, the pandemic and the explosion in Beirut in 2020 have slowed down progress.

5. United States: Of course, we can't talk about successful public protests without mentioning the Black Lives Matter movement that exploded in 2020. The protests were sparked by the murder of George Floyd, but quickly expanded to encompass a whole range of issues related to racial justice and police violence. While there is still a long way to go, the protests have led to some significant changes, including the removal of Confederate statues and the banning of chokeholds by police departments.

These are just a few examples of successful public protests from around the world. Of course, there are countless others that have made a difference, even if they didn't make as many headlines. The power of collective action is truly something to behold, and I'm so grateful to be able to witness it in action on social media.

So, what do you think? Do you agree with these examples? Who else should be on the list? Let's get the discussion going!