Сomparative analysis of mass protests in Hong Kong in 2014 and 2019

This bachelor thesis focuses on the largest mass protests in Hong Kong since its return to China in 1997 - the Umbrella Revolution in 2014 and anti-extradition law protests started in 2019. The relevance of this work lies in the fact that in the last decade HKSAR faced with largest mass protests which have affected Hong Kong’s economy and stability, had an impact on Beijing-Hong Kong relations. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare and contrast ( to identify and explain the differences between) mass protests in Hong Kong in 2014 and 2019. To conceptualize the events in Hong Kong and to develop criteria for comparative analysis, the concepts of Social movement theory and ideas of contentious politics were employed. The following criteria were used to compare mass protests: the number of protesters and their characteristics, the causes and dynamics of mass protests, the relations with a third party (media, mainland Chinese authorities, world powers) and the results of protest movements. The research has demonstrated that despite a similar main claim of the protesters - the abolition of amendments to the electoral system in 2014 and to the judicial system in 2019 - the protests differ from each other due to the specifics of Hong Kong social movements. From the one hand, the aim of social movements remains the struggle for autonomy and democratization of the region. On the other hand, the Umbrella revolution’s concerns, the change in the reaction and behavior of the authorities, the experience of the 2014 protests determine the differences between the mass protests in Hong Kong in 2014 and 2019.