BLUF
Trucking blockades have popped up around the world in recent weeks as so-called ‘freedom convoy’ protests, initially in opposition to COVID-19 restrictions. The protests have since spread to France, Australia and the US.Summary
This article by Ngaire Woods, writing for ASPI, makes the following points:
- Governments and law-enforcement agencies have responded with a range of tactics, but ending the protests has proved difficult.
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau initially described the truckers as a fringe minority.
- One survey reported that a third of Canadians supported the protesters.
- Several grievances are uniting protesters.
- Repeated government-imposed Covid-19 restrictions have led to widespread frustration.
- In New Zealand, there have been banners flying that highlight various issues, including censorship and indigenous rights.
- Nationalist anti-globalists are encouraging movements in other countries.
- Governments and police have no clear negotiating partners because the protests lack clear leadership and organisation.
References
References from the Web:
- FEB 2022 Canadian trucker protests show how the loudest voices in the room distort democracy—The Conversation
- FEB 2022 Canadian police arrest at least 100 protesters in bid to break up Ottawa truck blockade—The Guardian
- FEB 2022 Protester drives at New Zealand police as cordon tightens—CTV News
