Amidst the political turmoil surrounding Donald Trump’s presidency, the works of philosopher Hannah Arendt experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly her seminal work “The Origins of Totalitarianism.” Arendt’s analysis of public protests as a tool for authoritarian rulers to exert control by leveraging physical power resonated with the political climate following Trump’s election. However, the Women’s Marches of January 2017, which drew millions of peaceful protesters across the United States, defied expectations by avoiding police violence and arrests.

The peaceful nature of the Women’s Marches led to comparisons with past protests, shedding light on potential racial biases in law enforcement responses. The broad demands of the protesters encompassed calls for reproductive rights, tolerance, racial and gender equality, workers’ rights, and mutual respect. Despite the lack of a direct response from the leadership at the time, the impact of the marches reverberated globally, inspiring solidarity protests on seven continents.

More recently, protests erupted in Los Angeles in response to border patrol agents amassing in a predominantly Latino area. The protesters aimed to prevent what appeared to be an immigration raid targeting individuals simply going about their daily lives. The escalating situation, reminiscent of Arendt’s concept of power versus violence, underscores the complex dynamics of resistance in the face of oppressive government actions.

As Russian-American author M. Gessen aptly notes, taking action requires both hope and belief in justice. The ongoing protests highlight the delicate balance between resistance and repression in autocratic states, where fostering fear and hopelessness can impede collective action. The evolving narrative of resistance against government overreach underscores the enduring relevance of Arendt’s insights into power dynamics and public protest.