Comparing situational dynamics of repression in the Black Lives Matter and Yellow Vest protests

Abstract

The Yellow Vest and Black Lives Matter movements were among the biggest protests in recent French and American history. This study traces different situational dynamics during clashes between activists and authorities including 11 variables on strategic fraternization attempts, repressive responses, and geospatial characteristics. Using Video Data Analysis (VDA), 165 cases are statistically analyzed. Results reveal that both movements encountered a repressive response to a similar extent, however, the Yellow Vests were more successful in establishing a positive dialogue with authorities. A much larger proportion of interactions in the YV protest also occurred in public squares which suggests that geospatial conditions, combined with activist strategies, may provide protesters with an advantage to potentially reduce the likelihood of experiencing state repression. These findings advance knowledge on protest behavior in contemporary urbanized contexts and reveal the necessity of considering strategic deliberations of activists analogous to urban layouts and spatial characteristics.