Protest Escalation in Hong Kong’s Pro-Democratic Movement (2014-2019)
Wu, Cristina
Wu, Cristina
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Abstract
This thesis examines the transformation of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement from nonviolent resistance to violent confrontation between 2014 and 2019, focusing on the Umbrella Movement, the Fishball Revolution, and the Anti-Extradition Law Protests. It investigates the research question: why did the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong escalate into violence? Employing a relational and process-oriented approach, the study integrates theoretical insights on repression, emotional dynamics, and collective identity with an in-depth analysis of protest escalation. Drawing on primary accounts, protest symbols, and historical context, it highlights how repression, coupled with the evolving socio-political tensions in a hybrid regime, influenced shifts in contentious tactics. Findings reveal that the interaction between state actions and protestor responses drove the radicalization of tactics. Repressive measures by Beijing and the Hong Kong government— including the use of police force and legal mechanisms—intensified public outrage and fostered a sense of moral obligation among activists. Emotional flashpoints, such as police violence and symbolic desecrations, galvanized mobilization, while culturally resonant symbols like the Lennon Wall reinforced collective identity and sustained resistance.
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Thesis (B.A. in Art History)--John Cabot University, Fall 2024.
Date
2024
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Keywords
Protest movements, Social change
Citation
Wu, Cristina. "Protest Escalation in Hong Kong’s Pro-Democratic Movement (2014-2019)". BA Thesis, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy. 2024.