Resisting the Democratic Backlash: Social Movements in Central and Eastern Europe

This concluding chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the role of social movements in and after the democratisation processes of Central and Eastern Europe. It highlights how traditional social movement theories, primarily developed in Western contexts, can be adapted to understand the dynamics in these regions. It highlights the contribution of the individual chapters to theoretical discussions on political process theory and resource mobilisation frameworks, on the impact of political opportunities on the repertoire of actions, collective framing, and organisational structures of social movements. The chapter discusses the effects of hybrid regimes and democratic backsliding on contentious politics, emphasising the persistent low quality of democracy and the role of pro-regime counter-mobilisations. It highlights the historical and socio-economic challenges faced during the transitions to democracy, such as market reforms and neoliberal policies, which have often sparked protests. The chapter insists on the importance of civil society and grassroots mobilisations in resisting democratic backsliding and promoting inclusive democratic participation. Della Porta concludes that despite varying degrees of democratic quality, social movements remain pivotal in advocating for accountability, democracy, and social justice across the region, demonstrating the resilience of civic activism even in the face of increasing authoritarianism.