Reading Riots

Riots are exceptional though not unusual social phenomena. Despite occurring irregularly, they are sufficiently common to be matters about which most of us have some knowledge. They have been the subject of considerable to extended scrutiny for more than a century, with psychologists, historians and sociologists at the forefront of scholarly inquiry.

Tim Newburn's international and comparative study offers a close analysis of protest, social movements and the violence connected with them. The book looks at riots across the world, ranging from those in America - from the sixties to the recent post-George Floyd uprisings -, in Europe, the Middle East - during the so-called 'Arab Spring' - and Hong Kong's Umbrella movement. Reading Riots questions why such violence occurs, uncovers what happens during riots and takes an extensive look at the legacy of such disorder.

This comprehensive book will be of great value to those interested in riots and protest, the policing of such disorder and its consequences, as well as social movements and protest violence in recent times.

Tim Newburn has been Professor of Criminology and Social Policy at the London School of Economics since 2002. He was Head of Department of Social Policy from 2010-13 and Director of the Mannheim Centre for Criminology from 2003-2009. Prior to joining LSE he was Joseph Rowntree Professor of Urban Social Policy at Goldsmiths, University of London and Director of the Public Policy Research Unit (1997-2002). He has also worked at the University of Leicester (1982-85), the Home Office Research & Planning Unit (1985-90), the National Institute for Social Work (1990-92) and the Policy Studies Institute (1992-97).