Coronavirus and protest: How has COVID-19 changed the face of American activism?

Protesting during a pandemic is a dangerous political act. But in recent weeks, the world has watched as Americans, some armed, have gathered in state capitols to demand the easing of lockdown restrictions. After the death of a black man in Minnesota who was in police custody, the left is now reemerging on the streets. What motivated these protests? Were they grassroots movements or pushed from the top down? And what does this all tell us about the state of the American union beset by a virus and hurtling towards a Presidential election in November?

To discuss these issues, USSC hosted a webinar event featuring Senior Lecturer in American Politics and Foreign Policy Dr David Smith in conversation with Elliott Brennan, author of the recently released USSC report "Coronavirus and protest: How COVID-19 has changed the face of American activism".

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