Youth Activism in Asia from the 1980s to the 2020s: Repeated Patterns and Dramatic Developments

Asian youths have been at the forefront of democratic movements for decades. This talk highlights the dramatic demonstrations of the last decade and connects them to the powerful protests of the 1980s. We will explore the historical context, comparing Asian movements to those in the US, and analyze the role of popular culture. This talk, by a specialist in East Asian Studies, Prof. Jeffrey Wasserstrom, will place all of these events, and those of the recent past in particular, into historical and comparative perspective. The talk will address the increasing solidarity among activists in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Burma. Join us to learn how youth activism in Asia has evolved, transnationalizing their common struggles and aspirations, and forging solidarity from the late 2010s to the present.