The Playfulness of Resistance: Articulations of Urban Grassroots Activism in Post-Socialist Vilnius

A critical analysis of urban grassroots activism in post-socialist Vilnius reveals that the recent wave of movements, particularly those advocating for 'right to the city' and public space access, marks a significant shift from earlier activist initiatives. Unlike past protests predominantly rooted in cities, this new activism explicitly centers on urban identity and goals, challenging the long-standing discourse of urban superiority over rural or peasant cultures. The study highlights how industrialization and urbanization during socialism, followed by population movements due to wars, contributed to this urban-centric perspective, culminating in the concept of 'urbicide'—the deliberate destruction of urbanity—as seen in the siege of Sarajevo and the damage to Stari most (Old Bridge) in Mostar. The research employs discursive analysis to explore these dynamics, offering insights into the evolving nature of activism in post-socialist contexts.

(Ed.). (2016). The Playfulness of Resistance: Articulations of Urban Grassroots Activism in Post-Socialist Vilnius. Urban Grassroots Movements in Central and Eastern Europe, 45–66. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315548845-6