The French Protest Paradox [2025-2028]

This project investigates how protests in France influence policy change and to what extent nonviolent strategies within these protests affect the sustainability of these changes. While France has a long-standing culture of civil unrest, frequent demonstrations often fail to generate lasting legislative impact. The study examines protest intensity, duration, and the presence of violent versus nonviolent strategies. It also explores how nonviolent methods—such as sit-ins, civil disobedience, boycotts, and symbolic actions—can foster clearer goals, better organization, and more durable policy outcomes. By combining historical and contemporary cases, the research seeks to provide insights into the mechanisms through which social movements can effectively shape legislation and long-term political behavior. This interdisciplinary approach integrates political science, sociology, and social movement theory to evaluate the conditions under which nonviolent protest strategies enhance policy influence in France.