ABSTRACT
The chapter investigates the dynamics of mobilisation among Italian protesters in times of backlash politics. We empirically investigate structural explanations (networks and biographical availability) and agential explanations (emotions and political positions). To what extent do these factors act as predictors of individual intensity of participation in assemblies and protests? Our findings prove a strong relationship between active membership in an organisation and movement engagement, reaffirming the relevance of collective actors and social movement organisations (SMOs) in mobilising activists. At the same time, the majority of respondents participated in protests mainly with friends or other members of the organisation they belonged to, and they strongly identify with other participants in the same protest event. Furthermore, new media emerge as relevant that support but do not substitute social movement organisations in promoting mobilisation, while traditional media have a limited impact if confronted with new media, but also with informal networks or with the influence of collective subjects. Beyond these general trends referred to the entire sample, also more nuanced findings are identified among low, medium, and high committed protesters.
