Social groups that take to the streets to pursue their interests often lack effective institutional channels to otherwise achieve their aims. Protests by weak groups may not be effective precisely because they are weak. Weak groups may increase the power of their protests by using effective tactics to increase their bargaining power, generate public sympathy, or encourage other types of support. For example, a weak group can achieve success by causing major disruptions to socio-economic and political systems (Piven and Cloward, 1979: 29). Weak groups may also seek the support of external parties. Jenkins and Perrow point out that “[f]or a successful outcome, movements of the ‘powerless’ require strong and sustained outside support” (1977: 251). Tarrow (1998) suggests that allies are not only important for shaping the political opportunity for collective action, but also help protesters achieve success. “Challengers are encouraged to take collective action when they have allies who can act as friends in court, as guarantors against repression or as acceptable negotiators […] Allies are an external resource that otherwise resource-deficient social actors can sometimes depend upon” (Tarrow, 1988: 88). However, the adoption and effectiveness of protest tactics is determined by complex factors. The issue, then, is what determines the effectiveness of tactical escalation.

This chapter examines the effectiveness of tactical escalation during the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong. It is suggested that tactical escalation failed to empower the movement as a whole.