When massive, destabilizing, violent protests are a good thing

The demonstrations in Brazil and Turkey are a sign of progress

Protests in Brazil
(Image credit: AP Photo/Nelson Antoine)

On Monday, more than 200,000 angry people flooded the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Brasilia. In Istanbul, police used so much tear gas against demonstrators that hundreds of pets might have died from the exposure.

Are these the nascent signs of a coup? Should the Brazilian elite be packing their bags in anticipation of a South American Reign of Terror?

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Keith Wagstaff is a staff writer at TheWeek.com covering politics and current events. He has previously written for such publications as TIME, Details, VICE, and the Village Voice.