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The Lifecycle of Protests in the Digital Age

Author

Listed:
  • Pierre C. Boyer

    (CREST, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, France)

  • Germain Gauthier

    (Bocconi University, Italy)

  • Yves Le Yaouanq

    (CREST, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, France)

  • Vincent Rollet

    (MIT, USA)

  • Benoît Schmutz-Bloch

    (CREST, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, France)

Abstract

We propose a theory of the emergence, size, intensity, and duration of modern protest movements. Moderates and radicals are both needed to sustain large coalitions, but when radicals resort to violence, they drive moderates away. Social media, by lowering the cost of mobilization, amplifies this tension: it reveals both the potential for protest and the proportion of radicals among protesters — sparking a mass movement while enabling radicals to coordinate on violent action that precipitates the movement’s demise. We illustrate this phenomenon with the 2018 French Yellow Vests uprising. Online mobilization initially helped organize large, peaceful protests, but these protests triggered a second wave of more radical online activity. We show that half of the movement’s subsequent radicalization online occurred through the departure of moderates, driven by their exposure to radical content.

Suggested Citation

  • Pierre C. Boyer & Germain Gauthier & Yves Le Yaouanq & Vincent Rollet & Benoît Schmutz-Bloch, 2026. "The Lifecycle of Protests in the Digital Age," Working Papers 2026-01, Center for Research in Economics and Statistics.
    • Handle: RePEc:crs:wpaper:2026-01
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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