COMP GOPO Unit 5: Social Movements, Political and Economic Changes and Development

What is economic globalization? What is the impact of globalization on the state for the course countries? What conflicts within states have resulted from globalization?

1) Globalization is the "term used to describe how international economic, social, cultural and technological forces are affecting events and people inside individual countries." Globalization causes interdependence and political, economic, and social interconnectedness (workers, products, and capital are unconstrained by political borders and the sate has weaker control over the economy) and neoliberalism as well.

2) Globalization can threaten regime stability; there is a reduction of sovereignty (due to foreign direct investment [FDI] [foreign companies or governments open a facility/invests money in another country], multinational corporations (MNCs), trade agreements and supranational membership, environmental degradation [impacts health and safety], and causes popular discontent [populism and nationalism]). The benefits of this include civil society activism (NGOs and interest groups expose problems through the internet, cellular tech, and social media). Governments are constrained in their response ability; they promise public policy changes (economic liberalization, protectionism, changes to trade agreements) and crack down on opposition, mass media, and civil society.

3) Conflicts with MNCs (they can break laws due to their power and can even make their own laws in nation-states), inequality (some people may enjoy economic freedom more than others), increased demands placed on governments by civil society groups (economic liberalization costs a country's environment and labor), protests by students and disenfranchised groups (groups that haven't benefited from economic liberalization have grown and demanded the government to protect them), arrests of protesters and imposition of social media restrictions (people who oppose the government's handling of the economy have been responded with violence and internet s

What are the challenges from globalization on sovereignty for the regimes in power? What response has been made by the countries to these challenges?

Cultural influences, foreign influence and pressure, environmental degradation and health issues, economic sanctions, trade barriers/tariffs

What are the challenges from globalization on sovereignty for the regimes in power?

-Foreign direct investment and MNCs: causes different interests and regulations in host countries and thus can affect/disrupt the countries' economic and political ideas, principles, and ideologies. (Example: Due to challenges in attracting foreign investment, the Nigerian government has adopted policies to improve its business environment. This illustrates how nations - usually the less developed ones - try to adapt to the expectations of other nations to gain economic benefit.

-Controversial cultural influences: opening up to FDI makes countries interact with other countries with different regimes and cultures, which can cause new ideologies to spread throughout a country's population and cause domestic tensions/backlash (Example: In Iran the government often limits FDI coming from Western nations, and their main investors are China and India. This is because it would be seen as controversial by the Iranian government, and its population, to receive investment from the Western world.

-Environmental degradation: rapid economic development, such as high industrial activity, can have negative consequences for the environment and alienate citizens (Example: In countries that have engaged in more liberalization, such as China, the amount of pollution has risen substantially. Furthermore, with the imposition of a neoliberalism perspective, the Chinese government also alienates the population and prevents them from seeing the negative impact to focus on only one thing: production.

-Political and economic pressures: as countries interact with one another, it's easier to pressure one another (with sanctions, treaties, etc.) to go on the "correct" path (Example: Russia has been the target of many economic sanctions, especially from western countries, since its invasion to Ukraine in 2021.)

What response has been made by the countries to these challenges?

The government cares deeply about the perceptions of its sovereignty, as it is important to maintain its legitimacy from its own population and the International community. In order to preserve its sovereignty nations engage in domestic reforms that will help them adapt to international demands. On the other hand, governments are also trying to control the domestic debate about its economic policies to deflect negative commentary and focus on the improvement of economic conditions. (from https://library.fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/unit-5/challenges-globalization/study-guide/dermEaxc7quZiPihtrd4 )

What is a supranational organization? What is the difference between a supranational organization and an international organization? How do supranational organizations challenge state sovereignty and cause conflict?

Supranationals: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), European Union (EU), World Trade Organization (WTO), North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) [but now USMCA], Internationals: International monetary fund (IMF), World Bank, structural adjustment plans, austerity measures)

What is a supranational organization?

An organization that has its own power over member states' national governments. Decisions are made by majority vote and are binding, it also has courts to address conflicts (in other words, it has its own governing institutions)

What is an international organization?

Formed by an accord or treaty of three or more nation-states who agree to cooperate to achieve common goals. Goals may be narrow or broad in scope. International NGOs are also a form of international organizations (e.g. Doctors Without Borders)

What is the difference between supranational organizations and international organizations?

Supranational organizations have a system/method/institution to punish members to disobey their laws while international organizations are more cooperate--they work together to reach a common goal and have no way to punish others

How do supranational organizations challenge state sovereignty and cause conflict?

Because countries are forced to sign in international agreements, some policies may not be liked by an individual country or may give up power away from a country's government.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

What global issue/s does this organization address (what is its goal?): collective self-sufficiency, make a trade block and an economic and trading union, promote economic integration and cooperation, improve living standards and economic development, improve security

Supranational or international?: Supranational

What powers does it use to meet its goals?: 3 branches: executive, legislative, judicial (judicial: the community court of justice interprets and applies ESOWAC's policies and can determine human rights violations), non-aggression protocol established as well as the Allied Armed Force of the Community, the Authority (a group comprised of each country's leaders) ensures development and implementation of policies

European Union

What global issue/s does this organization address (what is its goal?): Promote peace, security, justice, and refuge in its borders, create an internal market and promote economic growth, protect and improve the environment, condemn discrimination and promote equity+diversity, establish an economic union and a currency (euros), get rid of poverty, uphold human rights and international law

Supranational or international?: Supranational

What powers does it use to meet its goals?: European council (executive): sets EU's agenda and settles important questions, European Commission (executive): day-to-day operations and proposes and implements legislation, European Parliament (legislative): approves legislation (can't propose it) and determines and approves the budget, Council of the EU (legislative): approves legislation, Court of Justice of the EU (judicial): interprets EU law and settles disputes, European Court of Auditors (judicial): audits EU budget, European Central Bank: manages the euro and enforces EU's monetary policy

International Monetary Fund (AKA the "Lender of Last Resort")

What global issue/s does this organization address (what is its goal?): Encouraging monetary cooperation, trade, economic growth, and employment, decrease poverty and actions that harm a country's economy

Supranational or international?: International

What powers does it use to meet its goals?: Board of Governors: highest decision-making body of IMF (can approve quota increases, special drawing right allocations, admitting/withdrawing members, and change the Articles of Agreement and By-Laws), International Monetary and Financial Committee: address concerns about the global economy and advises the IMF's agenda, Development Committee: advises the IMF and World Bank about economic situation in emerging/developing countries (also builds intergovernmental consensus on important development issues), Executive Board: conducts daily operations of IMF, Countries that receive money from IMF must have conditions on how the money is used so there is no more harm done to their economy and they can pay the IMF back

North American Free Trade Agreement (now USMCA)

What global issue/s does this organization address (what is its goal?): Modernize NAFTA, freer markets, fairer trade, support economic growth in North America, get rid of barriers of trade and investment between the US, Mexico, and Canada

Supranational or international?: Supranational

What powers does it use to meet its goals?: USMCA closed the loopholes that allowed countries to block panels, violating environmental and labor regulations are considered to affect trade (unless proved otherwise), a dispute resettlement chapter will monitor labor rights in certain facilities in Mexico (these facilities can be punished if they violate labor rights), a monitoring committee ensures each country upholds their environmental commitments

United Nations

What global issue/s does this organization address (what is its goal?): Support international peace and security and friendly relationship between countries, reach international collaboration and help countries work with one another

Supranational or international?: Supranational

What powers does it use to meet its goals?: International law upheld by courts, tribunals, treaties, and peacekeeping missions, sanctions, and the use of force allowed by the security council, General Assembly: makes recommendations to countries on international issues, Security Council: mostly responsible for ensuring international peace and security, Economic and Social council: international economic, social, and environmental issues are debated, International Court of Justice: settles legal disputes between countries and makes recommendations to the UN, Secretariat: Day-to-day operations of the UN

World Trade Organization (Note: the only country out of the course countries that isn't in the WTO is Iran)

What global issue/s does this organization address (what is its goal?): Help countries use trading to improve their economies, employment, and citizens' lives, supervise trade agreements, create an international system of trade rules, help developing countries trade more, become a place for countries to create trade agreements and go over trade disputes, support free trade

Supranational or international?: Supranational

What powers does it use to meet its goals?: All major decision=made by members, discipline imposed on other countries is made and created by members, ministerial conference: makes important decisions on anything besides trade agreements, General Council: handles day-to-day operations, settles disputes among members, and goes over the trade policies of members, Council for Trade in Goods, Council for Trade in Services, and Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, and their committees: focus on a specific aspect of trade

World Bank

What global issue/s does this organization address (what is its goal?): Get rid of extreme poverty (decrease the global population that lives in extreme poverty to 3%), support prosperity (increase the salaries of the poorest 40% of people in each country), funding projects (e.g. quality of life projects)

Supranational or international?: International (it gives money out with no penalties)

What powers does it use to meet its goals?: Board of Governors: most important policymakers, World Bank Group=made up of 5 groups, The Office of Suspension and Debarment can suspend and even sanction individuals or companies, the World Bank Group Sanctions Board: final decisionmaker in cases where sanctionable actions were committed by people/companies funded by the World Bank

Structural Adjustment Plan (by the IMF)

-The IMF is the "lender of last resort"

-A SAP is a loan with "strings" attached. Typically requires: 1) Austerity measures and 2) Economic liberalization

-Import substitution is discredited

-The PRI's opposition gains support

Austerity Measures

Cutting your budget

What is economic liberalization? What are its typical goals?

Multinational Corporations (MNCs), state-owned industries (SOEs), parastatals, import substitution industralization (ISI), special economic zones (SEZs), foreign direct investment (FDI), trade liberalization, privatization, neoliberalism, growth of the middle class, Thatcherism, Mexico's PEMEX, Nigeria's Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), China's Special Economic Zones and Household Responsibility System

Economic Liberalization

Reduction of state intervention in the economy (the government reduces its role in its economy)

-Examples: lowering trade barriers (e.g. tariffs, import quotas), privatization of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) or parastatals (government-controlled enterprises), eliminate subsidies and/or price controls

Multinational Corporation (MNC)

Company operating across national boundaries.

State-owned Industries (SOEs)

industries that are owned wholly or partly by the state because they are thought to be vital to the national economy

Parastatals

Companies owned or controlled by the state in the third world.

Import Substitution Industralization (ISI)

Development strategy that uses tariffs and other barriers to imports, and therefore stimulates domestic industries

Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

Purpose: to spark economic development, particularly in urban areas.

An area within a country that has different, typically more liberalized, economic rules. In China, SEZs are zones of limited capitalism designed to attract FDI through tax breaks, legal protection of property rights, and free trade rules (Note: the legal protection of property rights through the courts was very important because the Chinese government will not sell land rights). In Iran, there are 6 SEZs and claim that they have attracted millions of dollars worth of FDI. Continuing economic sanctions due to Iran's nuclear program AND the foundation's domination of the economy have hampered the SEZs (and Iran's economy in general) though.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Foreign company or government opens a facility/invests money in another country

Trade Liberalization

A process that involves countries in reducing or removing trade barriers, such a tariffs and quotas, so goods and services can move around the world more freely

Privatization

The selling off of state-owned companies.

Neoliberalism

The free market will cure economic issues + protect private property. A neolib supports...

1) Economic Liberalization (to remove government regulations and barriers that restrict the free market)

2) Privatization of public industries

Growth of the middle class

emerged mostly during IR: included farmers, mechanics, manufacturers, traders, "who carry on professionally the ordinary operations of buying, selling, and exchanging merchandise. This reflected a growth in prosperity

Thatcherism

-Cut taxes (especially for high earners) and privatized industry

-Fought inflation but = high interest rates and unemployment

-Thatcher's neoliberalism marked the end of the Collectivist Consensus

Mexico's PEMEX

Mexico's nationalized petrochemical industry.

Nigeria's Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

The state-run oil company in Nigeria

-Import substitution in the 1970s led to the creation of parastatals like the NNPC and protectionist tariffs

China's Special Economic Zones

Foreign aid and investment came to be seen as ways of speeding up modernization after Mao's death. To facilitate--and control--foreign entry into the Chinese market, four special economic zones (SEZs) were created in 1979. In these regions, foreign investors were offered preferential tax rates and other incentives. Five years later, Hainan Island and fourteen more cities became SEZs as well. By the mid-1990s, market mechanisms and foreign investment had spread to most of urban China, blurring the distinction between SEZs and the rest of the country.

Household Responsibility System

Instead of collectively farming, individual families (or households) manage their own production of agricultural goods.

Farmers still must pay a quota (agricultural tax) to the government, but may sell the rest for profit. Working hard and producing more=more money.

The land is still owned by the state; it is leased to farmers.

Purpose: to reduce rural poverty

What problems and changes have been the result of economic development?

Pollution, increased consumption (fossil fuels), income inequality (urban/rural, GINI index), urban sprawl, pressure on infrastructure

Economic Development and Pollution and Consumption of Fossil Fuels

China became more industrialized very quickly over the past few decades, and practices such as the burning of fossil fuels have caused drastic changes to the environment and the health of its citizens, especially their respiratory health

-Governments don't care about the environment as much if the economy performs better

Economic Development and Income Inequality (urban/rural, GINI Index) and Urban Sprawl

As seen in China, areas of a country with greater economic development (such as SEZs) bring in more revenue and money, thus creating large financial centers. However, rural areas don't receive the same amount of money and still are undeveloped and people who live in them earn much less money than people in large cities (e.g. sweatshop workers earn at least twice as much as peasants)

Economic Development and Pressure on Infrastructure

Because of the large cities economic development brings, pressure is built on infrastructure (e.g. housing, roads, airports, power, water, natural resources) in order to accommodate a large population.

-UK's aging population and the NHS

What is the impact of an abundance of natural resources on course countries?

Rentier states and the "resource curse," dependence, privatization, nationalization/re-nationalization of resources

Rentier State (applies to Nigeria, Russia, and Iran)

A sizeable portion of government revenue income comes from leasing out natural resources to foreign entities.

Pros: reliable government revenue, money used to raise standard of living and/or fund government programs

Cons: this contributes to the "resource curse" and a lack of economic diversification (government neglects other parts of the economy), vulnerable to price fluctuations in world economy, suffers from trade imbalances and economic inequality

Resource Curse

Countries that are very gifted with natural resources often lack behind in economic development

-This is often associated with the way in which the natural resources are managed, allowing for political elites to dominate

-These countries are also deterred from investing in education, health, and other areas outside of that specific industry. Here are some other impacts of the "resource curse':

-Lack of economic diversification

-Focus on one type of export industry while excluding other industries

-Severe revenue fluctuations based on the world market (i.e: commodity booms vs. fall of commodity prices)

-Overvaluation of currency and trade imbalances (exports more than imports, or vice-versa)

Increasing inequality

-Lack of incentive to modernize the economy and cooperate with international judicial bodies

Increased corruption

-Lack of accountability to citizens, except when the government relies on them for taxes (more revenue)

-Absence of democracy

(These are impacts that you can observe all across Iran, Nigeria and Russia.)

Dependence

Dependence on one resource makes economy vulnerable to commodity price changes

Nationalization (an re-nationalization)

Government takeover of private business

-Usually happens with a profitable resource (such as oil) so government can directly use revenue

What new social welfare policies have been made to reduce poverty, increase literacy, and improve public health, in order to improve people's lives AND bolster government legitimacy?

Gender equity and access to education, gender quotas, population policies, varied abortion policies (Mexico), developing infrastructure, environmental protection policies

What is a social policy

a government's course of action designed to promote the welfare of its citizens

How do social policies increase legitimacy?

Government that are able to implement effective social policies can increase their legitimacy because they are actively responding to issues and guaranteeing a higher quality of life to its citizens. Remember that we mentioned that the legislative has to be an adaptive and flexible force of government in other units? Social policies are pieces of legislation that suggest that a legislative is observing and addressing social, cultural and political changes. If they fail to adapt, citizens will feel more compelled to vote for other candidates in later elections

UK Social Policies

Access to healthcare

-The UK has a comprehensive and accessible public health system, the National Health Service (NHS) which provides access to healthcare to all UK citizens.

Iran Social Policies

Gender inequality + Access to education

-Gender equity rules in Iran allow for females to vote, run for positions, and be elected to the cabinet. Women also face significant barriers to educate themselves, especially in certain higher education universities, even when they are allowed to attend college. cultural and social barriers still impede Iranian women to be fully integrated in society.

Mexico Social Policies

Access to abortion and education

-ess to abortion in Mexico depends on the state. It is a matter that it dealt as a healthcare issue in states that allow it. In states that prohibit abortion, women are subjected to prosecution. Gender quotas have been implemented in several countries to increase the representation of women in certain areas. In the political field, Mexican parties need to ensure that 30% of their public office nominations are represented by women.

Nigeria Social Policies

Access to education

-Women have significant disadvantage when it comes to education in Nigeria. The government has implemented initiatives, such as the Girl's Education Initiative, to provide access to girls to quality education

Russia Social Policies

Labor

-The Russia government has put in place to protect the workers, including minimum wage and laws on hours and conditions.

China Social Policies

Inequality

-The Chinese government has made a lot of progress in the past few years to improve the overall quality of life of its citizens through economic growth and opportunities. However, China is still a highly unequal nation with low class mobility (the capacity of citizens to ascend social classes).

What are the causes and effects of demographic change? What motivates migrants?

China: economic developments (SEZs)-->internal migration

Nigeria and Iran: repression and/or corruption-->brain drain

Mexico: economic development (NAFTA and maquiladoras)-->internal migration

UK: colonial history/EU membership-->immigration, aging population-->pressure on NHS

China Demographic Change

The government of China has supported rapid industrialization over the past few years. They wanted to shift the focus from an agriculture-based economy (primary activity) to an industry-based economy (secondary activity). The creation of the Special Economic Zones led people to move from the East regions of China to the west, to the more urbanized areas, increasing population density in the SEZs.

Nigeria and Iran Demographic Change

Both of these countries suffer from the process named Brain Drain. It consists of the process in which experts and scholars leave these countries due to governmental policies that are perceived as restricting. This process, consequently, discourages the formation of academic thoughts in these countries.

-Nigeria: due to corruption and wealth inequality

-Iran: due to restrictions on freedom of expression

Mexico Demographic Change

Economic development in Mexico has led to migration flows from the south to the north, from rural to more urban areas. The economic development factors that contributed to this demographic change include the North American Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the implementation of maquiladora zones and foreign direct investment patterns.

-Remember: maquiladoras are the companies that are foreign-owned that operate across the US-Mexico border.

UK Demographic Change

An inflow of immigrants to the United Kingdom, coming from countries of the EU and other countries plagued by political unrest, has caused tensions in the country. The UK's decision to leave the EU (BREXIT) has relation to these tensions, as the country wanted to be able to control these migration flows better not being a member state of the EU.

Another important aspect of UK's demographic is its rapidly aging population. As the country's population becomes older, the need for a cheaper and more structured health system have increased. The UK has posed a tax burden on the population to be able to fund this emerging demand.

What are the consequences of changing migration patterns on course countries?

Increased crime, urbanization issues (income inequality, infrastructure), political parties/interest groups against immigration, population and/or immigration policies, discrimination

Impacts of shifting migration patterns

There are several benefits that come from these migration flows, including economic growth and more integration of the regional cultures of a nation. But, shifting migration patterns can bring a lot of challenges to a nation, including:

-Increase in crime due to the increased population density of certain areas

-"Brain Drain" in a country, or rather, when the population of experts and scholars are concentrated in only one region and absent in others

-Risky use of already existing infrastructure and a higher demand of new infrastructure; urbanization also brings income inequality due to influx of poor workers

-Growth of political parties that advocate against immigration, due to these perceived negative effects

-Infringement of sovereignty as supranational organizations being to play a bigger role in these issues

How is citizen behavior influenced by demographic change

In policies developed by governments in response to changing demographics, sometimes there is a motivation to change population behavior. One important example was the previous one-child policy in China, in which the government limited from 1979 to 2015 couples to have only one child, due to a dangerous increase the Chinese population. Other common policies include the promoting or discouraging of practicing certain minority religions. For instance, in Iran certain religious minorities face persecution and have had their worship houses demolished.

What are the important measures of a country's economic strength and wellbeing of its people? What are the pros and cons of each?

GINI Index, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), GDP/capita (PPP), GDP growth rate, Human Development Index (HDI), Freedom House's Freedom in the World, Transparency International's Corruption Index, Failed (now Fragile) States Index

-Note: these flashcards are on the AP Comp Gov Indices set located in the AP Comp Gov semester review folder (not on this study set)

What is a social movement? Are social movements and interest groups able to affect change in each country?

Social movements, grassroots movements

Social Movements

Loosely organized but sustained groups and individuals advocating for and pressuring the state for broad social change. Examples: promote indigenous civil rights, redistribute revenues from key exports such as oil, conduct fair and transparent elections, and ensure fair treatment of citizens of different sexual orientations.

Grassroots Social Movements

Seek to exert their power up from the local level. Since they are loosely organized, they are difficult for the government to suppress. May also have difficulty attracting and mobilizing citizen support and/or negotiating with governmental representatives

Interest Groups

Explicitly organized to represent and advocate for a specific interest or policy issue.

How have the following groups put pressure on their respective governments? Why are they difficult to suppress? What does each group hope to achieve? Were they able to affect change?

Mexico: Zapatistas (Chiapas), Iran: Green Movement, Russia: Same-sex couples, Nigeria: MEND, MOSOP, Boko Haram, UK: Scottish Independence Movement, China: Rural Protests

Zapatistas (Region, class, ethnicity)

Location: Chiapas State, Southern Mexico

Core Issue/s: Lack of economic development; discrimination against indigenous peoples

Tactics: Unconventional: militancy then peaceful protest (Under PRI authoritarian rule); Conventional: Interest group and political action (current); 1994 armed rebellion started on day NAFTA was signed

Gov't Response: Negotiation, military action, threats

Green Movement (Class)

Core Issue/s: 2009 Election Fraud: close election for president was called for the conservative minutes after the polls closed

Tactics: Unconventional: peaceful protests turned violent, rallies mainly in cities and younger, educated people; turned conventional: interest group "Green Path of Hope"

Gov't Response: Arrests, allegations of rape and torture in Prison

Same-Sex couples (Religion)

Core Issue/s: Law "On Protecting Children from Information Harmful to Their Health and Development" (discourages homosexuality)

Tactics: Unconventional: Protests mainly in Moscow and St. Petersburg (cities) and younger Russians

Gov't Response: Protesters arrested: led to violence against LGBTQ+ community, essentially legalized discrimination; Government has continued to pass harsher laws

MEND (Region, class)

Location: Niger Delta Region, Nigeria, South

Core Issue/s: Lack of economic development and pollution; 70% of Delta residents have no access to basics like reliable electricity, clean water, healthcare, etc. and high unemployment

Tactics: Unconventional: loose organization that engages in militancy, kidnapping, oil theft and sabotage. MEND only loosely exists now, but militancy in the Delta is still common.

Gov't Response: 2009 Amnesty; Arrested leader in 2010

MOSOP (Region, class, ethnicity)

Location: Niger Delta Region, Nigeria, South

Core Issue/s: Lack of economic development and pollution; 70% of Delta residents have no access to basics like reliable electricity, clean water, healthcare, etc. and high unemployment

Tactics: Unconventional: nonviolent protest (past and under Nigeria's military dictatorship); Conventional: interest group action (current)

Gov't Response: Military action (funded by shell), threats, executions of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the "Ogoni Nine"

Boko Haram (Religion and Region)

Location: Northern Nigeria

Core Issue/s: Get rid of western education and teachings, become an alternative for government in northern Nigeria and redistribute money

Tactics: Unconventional: kidnappings, massacres

Gov't Response: Government killed Boko Haram supporters after it attacked government buildings; Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency and used the army to try to drive out Boko Haram

Scottish Independence Movement (Region and ethnicity)

Location: Scotland

Core Issue/s: make Scotland an independent country and free to make its own political, social, and economic decisions

Tactics: Conventional: advocates for broad change and continues today

Gov't Response: Compromise (1997 Devolution Referendum paved way for the Scottish regional government, 2014 Independence Referendum; 55% of Scots freely voted to stay in the UK)

Rural Protests (Class)

Core Issue/s: Government corruption/"land grab"-->selling collectively owned land to developers without compensation to villagers (Note: protests against corruption are very common and tolerated by the government as long as the protest is not directly against the government or the CCP)

Tactics: Conventional: petitioned the government 2009-2010 to undo the local government's land grab; turned unconventional: sit-ins turned violent, forced CCP officials out of town, 3+ months of protests

Gov't Response: Arrests of protesters and village representatives (one who mysteriously died in police custody), blockaded village, tried to bribe with rice and cooking; Eventually, the provincial government admitted mistake, cancelled sale and led to first secret ballot for village chief elections