How to Keep Protests Peaceful
Chapter 8 discusses the practical implications of the findings discussed in Chapters 2 to 7. It highlights that violence can be avoided on the micro-level and presents specific measures to do so. First, it discusses the relevance of a flow of communication between protesters and police, clear territorial boundaries, and preventing rumors from spreading. It outlines boredom as a vital factor against violence. Second, the chapter highlights practical measures, such as focusing on communication, focusing on effective police management, respecting territorial boundaries, increasing awareness of the effect of escalation signs and property damage, as well as focusing on the danger zone of 1½ to 2½ hours after the start of a protest, during which time violence usually occurs. Discussing detailed examples of protests in Germany and the United States from 1960 until 2010, the chapter indicates that much can be done on the micro-level to prevent violent clashes if we know what to look for.