Socio-Economic Development, Class, and Protest

The chapter delves into the socio-economic development, class dynamics, and protest movements across Central and Eastern Europe, focusing on the resurgence of protests driven by degrading living conditions and unmet promises of economic prosperity. It examines the role of the middle class, particularly the new middle class, in driving these protests and the complex interplay between movements and political power. The volume highlights the diverse patterns of protest mobilization, from top-down political strategies to grassroots movements advocating for socio-economic and environmental issues. The analysis underscores the importance of understanding the historical context, including the 'triple transition' and the legacy of state socialism, in interpreting contemporary protest dynamics. The chapters offer case studies from various countries, such as Albania, Belarus, and Bulgaria, to illustrate the unique challenges and aspirations of different social groups. The volume contributes to the broader scholarship on protest and contention, emphasizing the significance of socio-economic grievances and class dynamics in shaping political activism and collective identities.