Riots and rioting are exceptional though not unusual social phenomena. Despite occurring irregularly, they are sufficiently common to be matters about which most of us have some knowledge. They have been the subject of considerable and extended scrutiny for more than a century, with sociologists, psychologists and historians at the forefront of scholarly inquiry.

Tim Newburn's international and comparative study offers a close analysis of protest, social movements and the violence connected with them. The book examines riots across the world, ranging from those in America – from the sixties to the recent post-George Floyd uprisings – to those in Europe and the Middle East (during the so-called 'Arab Spring'), as well as Hong Kong’s Umbrella movement. Reading Riots questions why such violence occurs, uncovers what happens during riots and takes an extensive look at the legacy of such disorder.

This comprehensive book will be of great value to those interested in riots and protest, the policing of such disorder and its consequences, as well as social movements and protest violence in recent times.