Cambridge Studies in Contentious Politics Reihe

This work reassesses Europe's infamous religious wars through the history of religious peace before, during and after the wars.

Party in the Street explores the interaction between political parties and social movements in the United States.

This book argues that political and economic inequalities following group lines generate grievances that in turn can motivate civil war. Lars-Erik Cederman, Kristian Skrede Gleditsch, and Halvard Buhaug offer a theoretical approach that highlights ethnonationalism and how the relationship between group identities and inequalities are fundamental for successful mobilization to resort to violence. Although previous research highlighted grievances as a key motivation for political violence, contemporary research on civil war has largely dismissed grievances as irrelevant, emphasizing instead the role of opportunities. This book shows that the alleged non-results for grievances in previous research stemmed primarily from atheoretical measures, typically based on individual data. The authors develop new indicators of political and economic exclusion at the group level, and show that these exert strong effects on the risk of civil war. They provide new analyses of the effects of transnational ethnic links and the duration of civil wars, and extended case discussions illustrating causal mechanisms.

How do a few Third World political movements become global causes célèbres, while most remain isolated? This book rejects dominant views that needy groups readily gain help from selfless nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Instead, they face a Darwinian struggle for scarce resources where support goes to the savviest, not the neediest. Examining Mexico's Zapatista rebels and Nigeria's Ogoni ethnic group, the book draws critical conclusions about social movements, NGOs, and "global civil society."

This book will be used in advanced undergraduate courses and graduate seminars on East Asia, authoritarianism, contentious politics, human rights, comparative politics, protest and repression, and international relations.

This book provides the first systematic account of the Egyptian Revolution in 2011 and its aftermath using a contentious politics framework.

This study examines the political sources of violence against religious minorities in India.

The book delves into the December 2001 food riots in Argentina, where nearly three hundred stores were looted, resulting in thirty-four deaths and numerous injuries. It highlights the involvement of Peronist activists and the notable absence of police during the chaos. Utilizing archival research, statistical analysis, and fieldwork, it offers a comprehensive exploration of the events' origins, progression, significance, and aftermath, presenting a unique perspective on the contentious political landscape of Argentina during this tumultuous period.

Exploring the roots of collective violence, this book examines diverse phenomena such as soccer hooliganism and September 11 through a historical lens. It highlights how social interactions lead to physical harm, driven by coordination among perpetrators. Charles Tilly posits that while collective violence is complex and unpredictable, it often stems from similar underlying causes. By identifying these factors, the work aims to provide insights into mitigating violence and fostering democratic societies with minimal harm. Tilly's extensive academic background enriches the analysis.

Focusing on transnational advocacy, this book explores the strategies and conflicts employed by conservative groups regarding contentious issues like gay rights and gun control. It delves into the dynamics of how these groups operate across borders, highlighting their influence and the challenges they face in promoting their agendas on a global scale. Through detailed analysis, it sheds light on the intersection of politics, culture, and social movements in contemporary society.

The book explores the concept of social movement death as a result of a coevolutionary dynamic, examining how social movements evolve and interact with their environments over time. It delves into the factors that contribute to the decline of these movements, offering insights into their lifecycle and the interplay between societal changes and movement strategies. Through this analysis, the author sheds light on the complexities of social activism and the challenges faced in sustaining momentum and relevance.

The book explores the significant growth in the study of social movements, revolutions, and democratization over the last twenty years. It delves into the key theories, methodologies, and case studies that have emerged in this field, highlighting how these phenomena shape societies and influence political change. By examining various movements and their impact on democracy, the author provides insights into the dynamics of collective action and the quest for social justice.

The book explores the media's portrayal of the interactions between the Black Panther Party and government agents in the Bay Area during the late 1960s to early 1970s. It delves into the complexities of these relationships, highlighting how media narratives shaped public perception and understanding of the political climate surrounding the party. By analyzing specific incidents and coverage, the work sheds light on the broader implications of media influence on social movements and governmental responses.

Focusing on collective struggles, this book provides an in-depth analysis of social movements in Great Britain from 1758 to 1834. It utilizes extensive evidence to explore the dynamics and impact of these movements, offering insights into the historical context and the evolution of popular resistance during this transformative period.

Focusing on the relational aspects of transnationalism, this book explores how everyday actions, such as immigrants sending remittances, gain political significance by connecting individuals across borders. It emphasizes that transnational activism is defined by relationships rather than solely by thought processes. The author investigates the intricate links between local, national, and international politics, highlighting how these connections shape the experiences and identities of ordinary people engaged in transnational activities.

The exploration of social movement tactics reveals the factors influencing their spread across different regions. It delves into the dynamics of how certain strategies gain traction while others remain localized, examining the interplay of cultural, political, and social contexts that shape these movements. Through case studies and theoretical analysis, the book provides insights into the mechanisms of diffusion and the role of local conditions in adopting innovative approaches to activism.

Although the fields of organization theory and social movement theory have long been viewed as belonging to different worlds, recent events have intervened, reminding us that organizations are becoming more movement-like and volatile and politicized while movements are more likely to borrow strategies from organizations. Topics covered in this volume range from globalization and transnational social movement organizations to community recycling programs.