Industry Focus
A Year of Protests Sparked Change Around the Globe
The policies and leaders that changed as citizens took to the streets.
Protesters climbing over a highway dividers fleeing from police arrests as their comrades help on the other side during a demonstration.Hong Kong's anti-extradition bill protests continue.
Photographer: Shawn Yuan/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
Economies on the verge of collapse, a yearning for greater democracy, revulsion against corruption and inequality–the grievances that drove people into the streets in 2019 were consistent across continents. Some marched peacefully, others clashed violently with security forces, and in at least five places the unrest helped topple government leaders.
Below is a breakdown of protests around the world, by region, and the main reasons behind them.