Symbolic politics as an instrument of political protest: the case of Lithuania
Abstract
The article analyses the concept of symbolic politics and its potential for explaining the mechanisms of social protest movements and the means of struggle used. A detailed discussion of the protest events that took place in Lithuania in 2021-2022 reveals how the symbolic capital of major national holidays and commemorations was exploited by the opposing political forces. It concludes that both sides of the conflict are reluctant to engage in dialogue, as their symbolic position in the political field as the true heirs of Sąjūdis depends on their symbolic positioning in the political field and their right to shape the general political discourse.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Eastern European Communism and Reforms
Political Conflict and Governance
Political Theory and Democracy
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Teka Komisji Politologii i Stosunków Międzynarodowych
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 27–45
- Publication date
- 9 January 2026
- Language
- EN