Transformations in Collective Action Understanding Radicalization in Social Movements

In recent years, radicalization has increasingly emerged as a central concern within the study of contemporary social movements. This article investigates the radicalization of collective action as a multidimensional and evolving process within democratic societies, challenging conventional approaches that associate radicalization solely with extremism or violence. Starting from the premise that post-industrial societies are characterized by a “social movement society” in which protest is a routine feature of civic engagement, the study examines how movements can shift from moderate dissent to more radicalized forms of mobilization. To explain this transformation, the article adopts a multi-level analytical framework that integrates macro-level structural triggers, meso-level organizational dynamics, and micro-level identity and framing processes. Empirically, it draws on a multi-method research design—combining frame analysis, protest event analysis, and secondary data—to explore the evolution of a protest movement that underwent significant ideological and tactical shifts. The study highlights how discursive strategies, alliances, and socio-political environments interact to reshape protest trajectories over time. By unpacking the layered and contingent processes that drive radicalization—beyond simplistic or linear models—the article contributes to current debates on contentious politics, protest mobilization, and the challenges posed to democratic resilience. The findings emphasize the need to view radicalization not merely as a threat, but as a complex and contextually embedded phenomenon that reflects deeper tensions within modern democracies.