In what ways are violent protest movements justified internationally?

Violent protest movements can be justified internationally when they are a response to oppressive regimes or severe human rights violations.

The justification of violent protest movements is a complex and contentious issue in international politics. It is important to note that the use of violence is generally discouraged and is seen as a last resort when all other peaceful means of protest have been exhausted or are ineffective. The international community tends to support non-violent protests and diplomatic negotiations as the preferred means of resolving conflicts. However, there are circumstances where violent protest movements may be seen as justified.

One such circumstance is when a population is living under an oppressive regime that systematically violates human rights. In such cases, the oppressed population may resort to violence as a means of self-defence and to draw international attention to their plight. This was the case in the Arab Spring uprisings, where populations rose against oppressive regimes in countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. The international community largely supported these movements, recognising the people's right to resist oppression.

Another circumstance where violent protest movements may be justified is when peaceful protests have been met with violent repression. In such cases, the protesters may feel compelled to resort to violence in self-defence. This was the case in the Syrian uprising, where peaceful protests were met with brutal force by the government, leading to a violent conflict.

However, it is important to note that the justification of violent protest movements is highly dependent on the specific context and circumstances. The use of violence can often lead to a cycle of violence and counter-violence, making it harder to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Furthermore, the use of violence can often lead to human rights abuses and violations of international law, further complicating the situation.

In conclusion, while violent protest movements are generally discouraged, they can be justified in certain circumstances, such as when they are a response to oppressive regimes or severe human rights violations. However, the use of violence should always be a last resort and should be proportionate to the threat faced.