Potentials and Challenges of International Protest Movements - The Last Generation and Civil Disobedience

We are delighted to welcome Carla Hinrichs, spokesperson for the Last Generation, to the Foundation on 3 December at 5:15 pm.

In recent years, the Last Generation Climate Alliance has emerged as one of the best-known international protest movements. The Last Generation has attracted a great deal of media coverage throughout Europe, particularly with various protest actions such as blocking motorways and airports. The Last Generation’s civil disobedience is primarily about one thing: the German government phasing out fossil fuels by 2030, the introduction of a speed limit, the continuation of the 9-euro ticket and reminding the government of its responsibility when it comes to climate protection.

Although the Last Generation received a lot of support for their demands, the form of their protest in particular was criticised from many sides. Conservative politicians have sometimes even likened them to extremist groups. However, the Last Generation’s form of protest has also been criticised by the Fridays for Future climate movement, which does not always consider it to be effective or purposeful. Accordingly, the question arises: How effective can civil disobedience be in initiating social change – especially with regard to climate policy?

We are therefore delighted to welcome Carla Hinrichs, spokesperson for the Last Generation, to the Foundation on Tuesday, 3 December at 5:15 pm.

Together with them and Carla Hinrichs, we want to discuss the following and other questions: What potential do protest movements like the Last Generation offer for climate protection? What successes and failures has the Last Generation achieved so far? What impact has social criticism of the Last Generation’s actions had? What challenges and obstacles do they face, both politically and socially? How does the Last Generation assess its successes and failures to date? What role does public perception play in the success or failure of the movement? Can civil disobedience influence the political agenda in the long term? What strategies could the movement use to communicate its goals more effectively and gain broader social support? What influence will the early parliamentary elections have on the activism of the Last Generation?

We look forward to your participation. We ask for a binding online registration by 02.12.2024.