Rethinking social movements in intense times

How do social movements operate in moments of extraordinary political and social upheaval? This article develops the concept of “time intensification” to analyze contentious politics during periods when traditional structural constraints weaken, and collective agency becomes particularly significant. Drawing on research from democratization processes to contemporary global protest waves, the analysis identifies two key processes: the fluidization of structures, where established patterns break down through relational ruptures and emotional outrage, and the densification of relations, marked by emerging networks and expanding possibilities. While social movement studies have traditionally focused on “quiet times,” this theoretical framework helps explain mobilization during critical junctures when predictability shrinks and decisions must be made rapidly under uncertain conditions. The article shows how bridging traditional social movement theories with new approaches can illuminate contemporary contentious politics in increasingly turbulent contexts.