Protests to Policy: Democratic Transitions Framework

Democracy activists and their international partners have a wide range of goals, including increasing democratic accountability by supporting the stakeholders who channel citizen interests into responsive policy. This challenge is especially pronounced during protests or social movements, when popular expressions of frustration can lead to conflict, instability, or even violence. While a fixed formula or linear process to translate protests to policy goals is often desirable, it will rarely be viable. Different countries can have varying conditions—and possible trajectories. The purpose of this guide is to help democracy activists— and their policymaker and democracy and governance practitioner partners— before, during, and after transitions, and to do so in a way that is tailored to particular contexts.