Focus: Do peaceful protests work?

At a time when protests have become a popular mean to register opposition, we debate: do peaceful protests work?

In the past few years, protests have been staged across the world as people choose to register their opinion or dissent through this peaceful method. In this week’s online debate, we question whether they actually help create the change they seek. As a tool on non-violent change, how effective are they? And is it ever possible to have a protest free of any form of violence or act of aggression? Join us this week, as we debate the following statements:

• There is no such thing as a peaceful protest.
• Force is necessary, if you want people to listen.
• True non-violence is the only way to bring change, otherwise it is just a fight.

Participants will be required to clearly state whether they are ‘for’ or ‘against’ each statement and provide their supporting arguments. Send us an email at readers@gulfnews.com  to participate or share your views by clicking on the ‘Post comment’ link below.