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.

Background

Civil disobedience emerged as a significant global phenomenon in the 19th century, notably with Henry David Thoreau’s 1849 essay inspiring later movements. Its importance was recognized during India’s struggle for independence under Gandhi and the U.S. civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. Over time, civil disobedience has been increasingly understood as a catalyst for social and political change, prompting international debate on the legitimacy and impact of nonviolent resistance.

Incidence

Civil disobedience has manifested on a global scale, with significant incidents reported across continents in both democratic and authoritarian regimes. Mass protests involving civil disobedience have disrupted transportation, commerce, and governance, often resulting in arrests, injuries, and heightened political tensions. The frequency and scale of such actions have increased in recent years, reflecting widespread public dissatisfaction with governmental policies and social injustices.
In 2023, large-scale civil disobedience occurred in France, where hundreds of thousands participated in nationwide strikes and protests against pension reforms. Demonstrators blocked roads, occupied public spaces, and clashed with police, leading to widespread disruption and international attention.

Claim

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

Counter-claim

Civil disobedience is not an important problem at all. In fact, it is often exaggerated and misunderstood. Most acts of civil disobedience are peaceful and aim to highlight genuine societal issues. Rather than being a threat, they are a sign of a healthy democracy where citizens can express dissent. Worrying about civil disobedience distracts from real problems that deserve our attention, making this issue largely irrelevant in the grand scheme.