The Gilet Jaune Crisis
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Description
This commentary examines the Gilet Jaune (Yellow Vest) protest movement in France as a case study in populist social upheaval, domestic political stress, and the broader challenge of legitimacy in advanced democratic societies. It explores the origins of the movement, initially sparked by fuel tax increases, and how it expanded into a broad-based expression of popular grievance against economic inequality, political elites, and perceived democratic deficits. The article assesses the French government’s response, the movement’s organization and tactics, and its implications for public order, governance, and social cohesion. It further places the crisis in comparative perspective with other protest movements in Western democracies and discusses the strategic implications for alliance partners and U.S. interests, including the potential for disruptive domestic politics to affect foreign policy and security cooperation.
Document Type
Article
Topic(s)
Leadership, National Security, Transatlantic Security
Region(s)
France, Western Europe, Europe
Publication Date
3-11-2019
Keywords
Gilet Jaune, Yellow Vest movement, France protests, populism, domestic instability, democratic legitimacy, Western Europe, public order, French politics, social movements, security implications
Recommended Citation
Kramer, Steven Philip, "The Gilet Jaune Crisis" (2019). Strategic Insights. 10.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/strategic-insights/10