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The Role of Political Movements in Fostering Participation

Through a comparative analysis of Egypt and Bolivia, this article explores how political movements expand participatory democracy. Egypt’s 2011 revolution demonstrated the power of unconventional, digitally fuelled mobilization, though its lack of institutionalization limited long-term impact. In contrast, Bolivia’s indigenous movements successfully transitioned protests into electoral gains via the MAS party, achieving more durable political incorporation. The study underscores that while movements are vital for amplifying marginalized voices, their sustained influence depends on strategic adaptation, balancing grassroots energy with institutional engagement to avoid either co-optation or destabilization.