Social activism and dissent have become global phenomena for our
times. Ordinary people across the world are fighting back. This
newly potent political force has defeated governments in India and
Spain, and has brought down the EU draft constitution. Disaffected
by the triumph of markets, public goods, public interest and public
spaces are regaining political ground.
Daniel Drache argues that, feeding off distrust and suspicion of
governments, and assisted by the new cultural flows of people,
ideas and information, this is a political phenomenon without
historical precedent. No-one owns the new public, elites remain
baffled by its power and impact. No-one can contain its innovative,
inclusive and rapidly evolving organizational style. No-one can
determine when the current cycle of dissent will peak.
This lively and engaging book is a must-read for anyone
interested in the role of protesters and publics in contemporary
politics.
