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This study investigates how different forms of protest influence public opinion, focusing on their perceived legitimacy and effects on policy support.

May 8, 2026Political BehaviorOpen Access

How Confrontational Protest Shapes Public Opinion: Experimental Evidence from Climate Mobilization

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Authors

DGDaniel Saldivia GonzattiWZB Berlin Social Science Center LSLennart SchürmannWZB Berlin Social Science Center SHSophia HungerUniversity of Bremen

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Experimental evidence shows that confrontational protests impact public opinion on movement tactics but not policy support.

Key Points

This study investigates how different forms of protest influence public opinion, focusing on their perceived legitimacy and effects on policy support.
Conducted two cross-sectional surveys and two survey experiments on climate protests in Germany.
Distinguished between demonstrative and confrontational protest forms assessing their impact on public support.
Analyzed responses from left-leaning and right-leaning citizens regarding their attitudes toward the protests.
Demonstrative tactics increased sympathy and support for the movement compared to a control group.
Confrontational tactics decreased sympathy among left-leaning citizens while right-leaning support remained unchanged.
No significant changes in policy support were found, indicating a disconnect between protest perceptions and policy goals.

Cite This Study

Gonzatti et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69fd7e00bfa21ec5bbf063f6 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11109-026-10136-9

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How Confrontational Protest Shapes Public Opinion: Experimental Evidence from Climate Mobilization

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

How Confrontational Protest Shapes Public Opinion: Experimental Evidence from Climate Mobilization

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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