The four co’s of youth collective action: The case of Colombia’s national strike (november 2019-january 2020)

Abstract

This article analyzes the national strike of Colombia (November 2019-January 2020) exploring its causes and some of its collective actions. It is emphasized in the 21N and in two especially visible collective actions: batucadas and cacerolazos. The article is supported by a documentary investigation that offers interpretive clues to address this political process that is still ongoing. It also relies on observation notes and on a content analysis of 15 opinion articles that circulated in different media between November 2019 and January 2020. It is argued that the unprecedented force this strike has had is associated with the youth collective action and with its four pillars: communication, trust, collaboration and the construction of the common.