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Contagious protests

Author

Listed:
  • Rabah Arezki

    (Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, IRD, CERDI
    Senior Fellow, Foundation for Research and Studies on International Development and Harvard Kennedy School of Government)

  • Alou Adesse Dama

    (Foundation for Studies and Research On International Development)

  • Simeon Djankov

    (The Financial Markets Group at the London School of Economics)

  • Ha Nguyen

    (International Monetary Fund)

Abstract

This paper explores the spillover of protests across countries using data on nonviolent and spontaneous demonstrations for 200 countries from 2000 to 2020. Using an autoregressive spatial model, the analysis finds strong evidence of “contagious protests,” with a catalyzing role of social media. In particular, social media penetration in the source and destination of protests leads to protest spillovers between countries. There is evidence of parallel learning between streets of nations alongside the already documented learning between governments.

Suggested Citation

  • Rabah Arezki & Alou Adesse Dama & Simeon Djankov & Ha Nguyen, 2024. "Contagious protests," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 66(6), pages 2397-2434, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:66:y:2024:i:6:d:10.1007_s00181-023-02539-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-023-02539-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marco Manacorda & Andrea Tesei, 2020. "Liberation Technology: Mobile Phones and Political Mobilization in Africa," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 88(2), pages 533-567, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Abi-Nassif,Christophe & Islam,Asif Mohammed & Lederman,Daniel, 2020. "Perceptions, Contagion, and Civil Unrest," Policy Research Working Paper Series 9416, The World Bank.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Street protest; Contagion; Social media;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty
    • E71 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on the Macro Economy

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