What role does music play in political protest movements? Researchers Miriam Bartolozzi and Phuk Nguyen from the University of Macerata explain how protest music shapes collective identity, creates emotional solidarity, and connects past struggles with present ones. Using the examples of the protests against the extradition law in Hong Kong, the Sunflower Movement in Taiwan, and the demonstrations for impeachment proceedings in South Korea since the 2010s, they explain both the similarities and clear differences between the three movements—especially in terms of the confrontational nature of the music and the political conditions for the young protesters. The conversation also addresses the risks for artists who express themselves politically, as well as the question of whether music can contribute to the success or failure of protest movements.
A contribution by Eva Gutensohn