Protest

Protest is a public expression of objection or support by individuals or groups aimed at influencing political decisions, government policy, social norms, or public opinion. Protests can be spontaneous or organized, and may take place in streets, squares, workplaces, or online. They commonly use demonstrations, marches, rallies, picketing, sit-ins, strikes, boycotts, vigils, or petitions, and increasingly include digital campaigns and social media actions.

Most protests aim to convey grievances or alternatives without violence, though some events become confrontational or disruptive. Civil disobedience deliberately violates laws deemed unjust by participants, typically as a nonviolent tactic. Lawful protests often require permits; law enforcement may set rules on routes, assembly size, and behavior, and responses vary by jurisdiction.

Historically, protests have played roles in movements for labor rights, civil rights, anti-imperialist and anti-war campaigns, democratization, and more recently climate action and pro-democracy efforts. Notable examples include mass marches, sit-ins, or movements that mobilized large segments of society across decades.

Impact and critique: Protests can draw attention, mobilize participants and implementers, and influence policy, but outcomes are uneven. They can also provoke backlash, infringe on others' rights, or lead to confrontation or repression.

In many countries, protest is protected by freedom of assembly and expression, though limits may apply in cases of violence, public order, or national security. Related concepts include civil disobedience, social movements, political activism, and digital activism.