​​​From motorway sit-ins to museum protests, disruptive protests are hard to ignore. One of the most high-profile groups behind these actions, the UK-based Just Stop Oil, have announced they’re “hanging up the hi-vis”, and stepping back from civil disobedience. The move has reignited a familiar question: do these tactics win public support—or provoke backlash?
Social Change Lab invites you to a webinar to explore what the latest research tells us about the impact of disruptive protest, with insights from two new studies:
Can disruptive protests influence political preferences? New analysis of polling data from the UK, Sweden, and Germany reveals that disruptive climate actions can shift public voting intention towards pro-climate political parties. Read the full report: Protest and the Ballot Box (Presented by Markus Ostarek, Social Change Lab)
How do different types of protest actions shape public opinion and media attention? This research explores how the disruptiveness of a protest and how clearly it connects to its cause (its internal logic) shape public reactions. Analysis of Just Stop Oil protests and two UK-based experiments found that disruptive actions with low action logic reduced support for the protest group - but often attracted more media coverage and donations, effectively energising a committed base. (Presented by Kylie Fuller, NYU, and Professor Robb Willer, Stanford)
The event will also feature reflections from experts and practitioners working across activism and philanthropy.
As many activists re-assess their next steps, this event offers fresh evidence and insights for those striving to build public support and political momentum for environmental and social change.
đź—“ 10 July 2025
🕔 17:00–18:00 BST
đź“Ť Online via Zoom
Register for tickets on Eventrbite here.
Image in header: 'Demonstrators hold up signs as they march on the streets during the "No Kings Day" protest against Trump's policies', in New York City, on June 14, 2025. EDUARDO MUNOZ / REUTERS