A collection of articles addressing instances of civil disorder in the form of organised riots, strikes and protests, which are a significant part of the political process. Riots, strikes and protests serve to highlight fissures in society, express discontent, and stimulate public debate. Ultimately, riots, strikes and protests aim to challenge and effect change in existing social and economic structures and policies. The ‘success’ of such instances of civil disorder depends heavily on media treatments of the social actors and actions involved, including whether events are labelled as ‘riots’, ‘strikes’ or ‘protests’.