Chapter 5 Popular Struggles and Movements

Overview

This chapter explores the role of popular struggles and movements in shaping democracies. It uses examples from Nepal (movement for democracy) and Bolivia (struggle against water privatization) to illustrate how collective action and mass mobilization, often organized by specific groups, can influence government policies and even bring about fundamental political change. The chapter differentiates between interest groups (representing specific sections) and public interest groups (advocating for collective good), and discusses how both exert influence on politics through advocacy, protest, and participation in official bodies. It concludes by examining the healthy and unhealthy aspects of this influence in a democracy.

Popular Struggles In Nepal And Bolivia

• Movement for Democracy in Nepal: In April 2006, a popular movement involving political parties (Seven Party Alliance), Maoist insurgents, labor unions, and other organizations forced the King to restore democracy, leading to the abolition of monarchy and the establishment of a federal democratic republic. This demonstrated how mass mobilization, even with diverse groups and conflicting ideologies, can achieve significant political change.
• Bolivia’s Water War: A popular struggle, led by FEDECOR (an alliance of labor, human rights, and community leaders), successfully protested against the privatization of water supply in Cochabamba. They forced the government to cancel the contract with an MNC and restore water services at affordable rates, highlighting how movements can challenge specific government policies even within democracies.

Movement for Democracy in Nepal

A popular movement in April 2006, involving a coalition of political parties, Maoists, and other groups, successfully restored democracy in Nepal by forcing the king to concede demands for a restored parliament and a constituent assembly, leading to the abolition of monarchy.

Bolivia’s Water War

A protest led by FEDECOR against the privatization of water in Cochabamba successfully forced the government to cancel the contract with an MNC and revert to old rates, showcasing the power of popular mobilization even against government policies.

Democracy And Popular Struggles

These examples demonstrate that popular struggles are integral to democracy, not just in its establishment but also in its ongoing functioning. Democratic conflict often involves citizens mobilizing through organizations to influence policies or challenge government actions, leading to outcomes that might not be achieved through existing institutions alone.

Mobilisation And Organisations

Popular struggles are often successful due to mass mobilization and the role of organized groups:

• Political Parties: Participate directly in elections and governance.
• Interest Groups: Promote the interests of specific sections of society (e.g., trade unions, business associations) by influencing government policies without directly seeking power.
• Movement Groups: Address broader societal goals or specific issues, often with loose organizations and spontaneous mass participation (e.g., Narmada Bachao Andolan, environmental movements).

Pressure Groups and Movements

Pressure groups influence government decisions through various means like campaigns, meetings, and protests, aiming to shape public opinion and policy. Movements, often issue-specific or long-term, also seek to influence politics but rely more on spontaneous mass participation and may have looser organizational structures.

Sectional Interest Groups and Public Interest Groups

Sectional interest groups represent specific communities (workers, businessmen, religious groups), focusing on their members' well-being. Public interest groups, conversely, work for the collective good, benefiting society at large, even if their members don't directly gain (e.g., anti-bondage labor groups, environmental activists).

Movement Groups

These are often issue-specific (like Narmada Bachao Andolan) or broader campaigns for long-term change (like environmental or women's movements). They may have informal leadership and diverse approaches but share common objectives.

How Do They Influence Politics?

Pressure groups and movements influence politics by:

• Gaining public support through campaigns and media.
• Organizing protests (strikes, demonstrations).
• Participating in official committees to advise the government.
• Influencing political parties through shared membership or by raising new issues that parties adopt.

Is Their Influence Healthy?

While pressure groups can sometimes be criticized for representing narrow interests or potentially hijacking public discourse with financial backing, their influence is generally considered healthy for democracy. They ensure diverse voices are heard, counter undue influence from powerful groups, promote accountability, and help accommodate societal differences, thus strengthening democratic processes.