Who are the millions of people who have marched against the Trump administration, how do they relate to other contemporary social movements and uprisings in the US—and what does it all mean for the future of American democracy?
American Resistance traces activists from the streets back to the communities and congressional districts around the country where they live, work, and vote. Using innovative survey data and interviews with key players, Dana R. Fisher analyzed how Resistance groups have channeled outrage into activism, using distributed organizing to make activism possible by anyone from anywhere, whenever and wherever it is needed most. Beginning with the first Women’s March and following the movement through the 2018 midterms, Fisher demonstrated how the energy and enthusiasm of the Resistance paid off in a wave of Democratic victories. She revealed how the Left rebounded from the devastating 2016 election, the lessons for turning grassroots passion into electoral gains, and what comes next. American Resistance explains the organizing that is revitalizing democracy to counter Trump’s presidency.
Dana R. Fisher (
@Fisher_DanaR) is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on environmental policy, civic participation and activism more broadly. She has written extensively on activism and protest.
David Madden (
@davidjmadden) is an Associate Professor of Sociology at LSE.
This event was co-hosted with the LSE Department of Sociology and held on 8 October 2020.