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Abstract

Direct action goes beyond the purpose of demonstrations which seek to articulate a grievance and/or promote a cause and aim to advance the protesters’ cause by undertaking some form of positive physical action to advance it. Such action points to the existence of a problem and puts forward practical solutions that are designed to remedy it. Those engaged in direct action may also seek to educate the general public regarding the issue that is the focus of the protest in order to motivate them to endorse an alternative course of action.

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Joyce, P. (2016). Direct Action. In: The Policing of Protest, Disorder and International Terrorism in the UK since 1945. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-29059-5_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-29059-5_4

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