UN 
In an era marked by increasing social and environmental challenges, public protest remains a vital tool for driving change. However, veteran activists André Carothers and Annie Leonard caution that the space for peaceful assembly and free expression is under significant threat both in the United States and worldwide. Their new book traces the history of protest movements, affirming their effectiveness while highlighting current attempts to curtail this fundamental democratic right.
Carothers, an experienced environmental campaigner, describes the current moment as a “shutdown of the public square,” where governments and private interests impose restrictions that limit citizens’ ability to organize and voice dissent. Leonard, former executive director of Greenpeace US, emphasizes that despite these challenges, protest has historically served as a catalyst for major social reforms, from civil rights to environmental protections.
The authors argue that protecting the right to protest is essential for advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to social justice, environmental sustainability, and inclusive governance. They underscore the need for public support to defend these spaces against increasing legislative and technological measures aimed at surveillance and repression.
This warning comes amid growing global concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms. As governments tighten controls and deploy new tools to monitor and dissuade activists, the ability to mobilize collective action is jeopardized. Carothers and Leonard call on citizens, policymakers, and international institutions to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding peaceful protest as a cornerstone of participatory democracy.
Their work serves as both a historical reminder and a contemporary appeal, urging a revitalized defense of public protest to ensure that voices advocating for climate action, social equity, and human rights can continue to be heard and heeded.
