Who are the 'Black Blocs' causing panic in Geneva ahead of the G7?

Political science professor Francis Dupuis-Déri, based in Montreal, offers a critical perspective on the "Black Blocs," a group frequently associated with causing panic and vandalism, particularly in the context of protests like the upcoming G7 summit in Geneva.

Dupuis-Déri challenges the prevailing media narrative, stating, "According to their doxa, the Black Blocs are not violent, but they vandalize violent companies." He contrasts the public perception of the "Black Blocs" with the actions of law enforcement, asserting that media reports solely focus on the "casseurs" (rioters) and rarely on police conduct. He points out that in his thirty years of studying "Black Blocs" across Europe, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, and Lebanon, no deaths can be attributed to them, a stark contrast to police actions.

His research, detailed in the book "Les Black Blocs: La liberté et l’égalité se manifestent," delves into the movements based on the accounts of those involved. First published in 2003 and updated until 2019, the work remains a significant reference. Dupuis-Déri draws a historical parallel to more radical groups like the Black Panther Party or direct action groups of the 1970s and 1980s, which he notes did not shy away from violence, even killing, to advance their ideologies.

Dupuis-Déri's current research also touches upon the rise of masculinism, a topic he finds particularly relevant. His analysis suggests a nuanced understanding of protest movements, questioning the one-sided portrayal of violence and highlighting the actions and accountability of state actors alongside non-state groups.

“

According to their doxa, the Black Blocs are not violent, but they vandalize violent companies. ... Yet, when the media talks about violence, they only talk about the rioters, never about the police.