During Summer of 2019, a wave of protests and manifestations had aroused from numerous nations around the world. Although each case had its own political reasons, a new trend has been stablishing. Despondent citizens had started powerful movements that have grown effervescent political pressure in order to alter the political situation these citizens live in. This is the information and chronology for each of the main protest cases.

Hong Kong.

Hong Kong has always been in a shifty situation. Hong Kong became an English Colony in 1842, after the First Opium War. The territory was then transferred to China in 1997 although, Hong Kong was promised different economic and governing systems from those of mainland China. Hong Kong has been a primordial economic and trade window for China, where Chinese enterprises trade with the outside world. Although Hong Kong does not account for even the 3% of the total GPD (Gross Domestic Product) of China, it is still a very influential international city. The Communist party in China has always have a mighty grip upon its territories, and signs of protests against the party have always been crushed. For example, in 1989, a student manifestation in Tiananmen Square in Beijing ended in an assault by the military forces of China killing hundreds and wounding thousands more. Three decades later, the party is contemplating a new major protest, this time, in Hong Kong. The discontent and anger felt from the Hong Kong citizens has developed from quite some time. China’s government tried to implement a pro-Chinese system of education in 2012. In 2016 members of the Hong Kong parliament where expelled for offending China during

their oath, finally, in February 2019, China tried to pass a bill which would have allowed extradition to the mainland. This last event triggered the citizens of Hong Kong, which went out to the streets in masses to protest this bill. What seem to the International Community’s eyes as a controlled event soon turned into a turmoil. The movement against the bill grew very fast, gaining more followers each day. Ultimately, the anti-disturbing police started to attack those who participated in the protest. While the Chinese government thought that the movement will easily dissolve, the movement just grew stronger, more and more people started to join the movement and not just protest the extradition bill, but also the people asked for Hong Kong’s independence and a system of Democratic government in the province. As the situation grew worse, people started to get injured, the parliament building and other constructions were vandalized, people started to cover their identities and the movement calls for international intervention. China has threatened to use its military forces in the province, but that will be risky for the country’s economy, especially since they must deal with a tariff war against the United States. The air in East Asia is felt with tension and uncertainty. Currently part of a standoff between those of the Honk Kong liberation movement and the Chinese government, it’s still to be seen what happens, however, this movement has meant a resistance and participation of the citizens against a mighty force such as the Chinese government, in a way that has not happened since three decades ago.

Puerto Rico.

The Political status of the Caribbean island known as Puerto Rico is that of an incorporated territory, meaning that the island is neither a state of the United States nor an independent country, nonetheless, Puerto Rico has never been known for been a place of conflict. When the hurricanes Irma and Maria swept through 2017, 2,975 people died (according to CNN) and hundreds more lost their home or got disabled, after the tragedies, 44% of the population of Puerto Rico lives in

poverty. The people in Puerto Rico protested the lack of help given by the US government but more importantly, the lack of action taken by Ricardo Rossello, who instead, attacked political adversaries for taking advantage to ask for money for the emergency. After what seem as a solid governor, Ricardo Rossello lost a lot of credibility and respect by the people of Puerto Rico. A mild discontent persisted, and in summer 2019, evidence of thousands of chats driven from Rossello and his cabinet members where filtered. These chats included sexist, homophobic and disgusting comments from most of Rossello’s cabinet, often targeting and sneering on the hurricanes’ victims as well as their political adversaries and the LGBTQ community. These comments prompted a wave of repudiation and anger that moved the Puerto Ricans to the streets. Thousands gathered outside the government building known as “La Fortaleza” or “The Fortress” asking for governor Ricardo Rossello to resign from office. The movement was joined by the island’s most important artists: Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny, Vinicio Del Toro among others. After weeks of incessant protest, Governor Rossello announced that he would resign on August 2, which he did. Although Rossello resigned there was uncertainty on who would occupy the position of Governor. A week after Rossello’s resign Pedro Pierluisi (representative of Puerto Rico) was named Governor, however, the house of representatives ruled his naming unconstitutional and was removed 7 days after he was named. A few days later Secretary of Justice Wanda Vasquez was named governor. With this announcement, the people in Puerto Rico are still on the streets, for Vasquez was also member of the “Chatgate” scandal and is related to Rossello’s corrupt government. As tension continues, the protesters ask for a complete clean of Puerto Rico’s government and a removal of all political parties. Once again, an example of the power of the people is shown and the movement still stands.

Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir are a state of the nation of India, located between India and Pakistan, it has been subject of dispute between the two since 1947. In fact, the last 2 out of 3 wars between India and Pakistan had developed because of control of the region. In 1972, the United Nations divided the region into two; a region administered by India and another by Pakistan. In 1999 there was another armed conflict between the both but since a truce in 2003, both sides have been at relative peace. The state has a Muslim majority and it enjoys a special status just to those who live in the area, for example exclusive right of property just to those who are permanent citizens of the state. This is protected under an article called “Article 230” under the Kashmir and Jammu constitution. However, people have been angry since the Indian government revoked the special status the region has enjoyed. The Indian government has justified itself by saying that the removal of the status will allow the region to grow and develop faster. Waves of protests from Kashmir and Jammu as well as the Pakistani have been in protest. A small group protested outside of the High Indian Commission in London. The Pakistani government called for a “black day” in protests to the Indian government. Still, there is a vast majority of protesters who want the independence of Kashmir and the recognition of the region as a sovereign state. India has sent 35,000 troops and has cut off the internet in the region, although the schools where reopened although without students. As both Pakistan and India prepare for a possible war, the people of Kashmir and Jammu are left in the middle waiting for results or at least, a return to the original status.

Although these 3 events have different circumstances, these three movements have had many things in common. All happened during summer of 2019, involving a region that had an undefined political status and a dispute between different countries. Nevertheless, it has an air of transcendence, for it marks the new trend described during the first paragraph. A trend that involves a major number of people united for one cause, triggered by the dissent felt by their government. What has maintained these movements alive is the consistency of their protesters who call for action and protest until change is seeing. Even when violence has been a product of these protests, these are an example of persistency and call for citizens of other countries to be more politically active and question their government. The hope is that if these movements are all successful for the people, then the international community can see the importance of protest in some circumstances.