The disruptive tactics used by movements like Extinction Rebellion, Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil deeply divide opinions on what qualifies as ‘responsible’, ‘appropriate’ and ‘acceptable’ forms of protest. Meanwhile, states are increasingly engaging in more repressive tactics to protect ‘business as usual’, by dissuading activists from engaging in disruptive actions and criminalising those who do.

It is in this context that the Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action (SECA) invites you to join academics, trade unionists and activists in discussion to consider the theme: ‘The Planetary Emergency and the Politics of Resistance’.

In exploring this timely and important topic, this practical half-day workshop will be guided by questions such as, how are we to effectively resist climate breakdown and ecological collapse in the absence of political leadership? And what strategies and tactics can social movements use to legitimately resist those in power who want to maintain the ecocidal status quo?

Panel 1: Effective Protest and Conflict Transformation

Dr David Bailey (University of Birmingham): What Works: Measuring Protest and Direct Action

Niamh Small (Queen’s University Belfast): Resisting division: Activism and Environmental Peacebuilding

Panel 2: Civil Disobedience and What Comes Next

Dr Oscar Berglund (University of Bristol): An Age of Resistance: The Legitimacy of Civil Disobedience

V’cenza Cirefice (National University of Ireland Galway): Caring as Resistance to Extractivism in the Sperrins

Roundtable discussion: System change, not climate change? Whose system, what change?

Prompted by a brief presentation on Dr David Bailey and Dr Oscar Berglund’s forthcoming research that examines the various interpretations of what different actors mean by ‘system change’. This session will prioritise inclusive and open-ended discussion on strategies, tactics and alliances for real change, both on the island of Ireland and further afield.

Register via Eventbrite here.