Legacies of Radical Social Movements: History, Politics, and Social Changes

Since the French Revolution, radical forms of mobilization and collective action have always been the spearhead of social and political change. The direct participation of the public, whether by violent means or otherwise, is a fundamental characteristic of the modern state. In cases such as labor struggles in the interwar period, the Bolshevism in early 20th-century Russia, the Civil Rights Movements in the 1960s, and the Arab Spring in the 21st century, radical mobilizations can expand social warfare, democratic enfranchisement, and, to some extent, social revolution. Conversely, the resurgence of far-right politics in contemporary Europe and North America illustrates how radical political activism can also trigger democratic backlashes, pave the way for authoritarian governments, and in some cases, foster fascist-like regimes. Under what conditions do movement radicalize? Under what conditions do they promote democratization, and when do they create backlashes, intentionally or inadvertently? Furthermore, why do some radical movements leave durable legacies that impact generations of politics, but some remain forgotten?

This session invites research on social movements, democratization, revolutions, and contentious politics that specifically address the trajectory and linkage between radical forms of political actions on one hand, and the legacies, impacts, and institutional consequences on the other. We welcome research that explores different forms of mobilizational mechanisms and their consequences. The session is also looking forward to examining how different methodological traditions can offer alternative examinations to complex theoretical inquiries, including comparative historical analysis, quantitative/computational examination, qualitative investigation, archival approaches, ethnography, and mixed methods.