Rhythms of Resistance: Protest, Samba and the Politics of Direct Action

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Science Intersection, I speak with Ian Fillingham, who helped found Rhythms of Resistance and was involved with Reclaim the Streets.We discuss the origins of Rhythms of Resistance, the role of samba and carnival-style protest, and the wider history of anti-globalisation and environmental direct action. Ian reflects on actions in Prague, Reclaim the Streets, the Liverpool dockers, climate protest, greenwashing, military emissions, and the question of what protest movements can realistically achieve.This is a conversation about social movements, power, capitalism, environmental crisis and the contested politics of protest. It includes discussion of direct action, policing, sabotage, and controversial activist tactics. Wrt episode I don’t think legality and morality are always the same thing. History is full of legal harms and illegal acts of conscience. But I also think it’s important to discuss these questions carefully, especially when protest tactics involve risk, confrontation or harm.A big thank you to Ian for joining me.If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the show grow, please share it, leave a comment, or consider making a donation. Support the show