Civil disobedience

Resistance to government
Mass protests
Civil resistance

Nature

Civil disobedience is any act of public defiance of a law, practice or policy of authorities, if that act is premeditated, known by the actor to be illegal, and done for public reasons. Civil disobedience may be direct as was the case of Henry David Thoreau's refusal to pay his poll tax. It may be indirect, such as, burning draft cards in protest against the war in Vietnam.

Incidence

Civil disobedience has been documented globally, with notable surges during periods of political unrest or social transformation. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, between 2010 and 2020, over 230 significant nonviolent civil disobedience campaigns occurred worldwide, spanning continents from Asia to the Americas. These actions often involve thousands to millions of participants, reflecting widespread societal grievances.
A prominent example occurred in India in 2019, when millions participated in nationwide protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. Demonstrators engaged in sit-ins, marches, and other acts of civil disobedience, particularly in cities like Delhi and Kolkata, drawing international attention.

Claim

Nothing at all will be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome. (Samuel Johnson).

Counter-claim

Civil disobedience is often overstated as a significant issue. In a democratic society, laws exist to maintain order and protect rights; breaking them undermines the very fabric of governance. Instead of fostering change, civil disobedience can lead to chaos and division. There are established channels for reform that should be prioritized. Focusing on constructive dialogue and legal avenues is far more effective than romanticizing lawbreaking as a noble act.