Student-led Social Movements as Institutional Change : A Literature Review of the 2024-2026 Student Protest in Serbia

Sammanfattning

This thesis conducts a literary review of the ongoing student protests in Serbia, and questions if it follows the common consensus of social movements and why the EU is viewed negatively within the protest. Conducting a historical context covering the 21st century and the previous decade of protests, this thesis bridges a historical gap that gives proper context as to why the current student protests are happening. Using previously released papers as methodology and the theories of social movements, stabilitocracy, and John Gaventa’s “Power Cube”, this thesis concludes that it does follow the common consensus with hindrance coming from the authoritarian government that the social movement is countering, and that the EU’s negative view is supported due to stabilitocracy and complicity from said institution in regards to Serbia’s democratic backsliding. Further research suggestions includes an in depth look at police brutality of the protests and pro-government motivations.