1968: A Social Movement Sui Generis

Abstract

This contribution starts out with a brief survey of key events in 'global 1968', which is defined as a social movement mobilization cycle lasting, approximately, from 1956 to 1976. After a discussion of key overall determinants engendering this particular moment of crises and opportunities, '1968' is then analyzed as the very first-ever transcontinental revolt, a tripartite rebellion linking up protest movements in various parts of the world: radical students and workers in First World countries, anti-bureaucratic dissident currents in the Second World; and national liberation movements in the Third World.