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The mobilisation potential of anti-containment protests in Germany

Author

Listed:
  • Hunger, Sophia
  • Hutter, Swen
  • Kanol, Eylem

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic triggered polarisation across Europe. While most citizens supported governments’ containment measures, others took to the streets and voiced their dissatisfaction. The article focuses on the mobilisation potential related to this heterogenous protest wave. It examines individuals that show sympathy and are willing to engage in anti-containment demonstrations based on 16 waves of a rolling cross-section survey fielded in Germany in 2020/2021. The results show a considerable and stable mobilisation potential: every fifth respondent sympathises with the protesters, and around 60% of those are ready to participate themselves. Political distrust, far-right orientations and an emerging ‘freedom divide’ structure the potential, as do Covid-19-related economic and health threats. Moreover, the findings indicate a radicalisation process and show how ideology and threat perceptions drive the step from sympathy to willingness to participate, suggesting that ideological polarisation may quickly spill over to the streets given an appropriate supply of protest opportunities.

Suggested Citation

  • Hunger, Sophia & Hutter, Swen & Kanol, Eylem, 2023. "The mobilisation potential of anti-containment protests in Germany," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 46(4), pages 812-840.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:espost:268906
    DOI: 10.1080/01402382.2023.2166728
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rüdig, Wolfgang & Karyotis, Georgios, 2014. "Who Protests in Greece? Mass Opposition to Austerity," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 44(3), pages 487-513, July.
    2. Borbáth, Endre & Hunger, Sophia & Hutter, Swen & Oana, Ioana-Elena, 2021. "Civic and Political Engagement during the Multifaceted COVID-19 Crisis," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 27(2), pages 311-324.
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