United in their dissent over mounting inequality and continuing corruption, thousands of people have taken to the streets in Central and Eastern Europe in the recent past. A new generation is asserting itself and demanding accountability of its leaders. Separate movements show similarities in origins and aims with movements earlier seen in Southern Europe and Northern Africa. In a new series of articles, The Broker seeks to understand the paths and records of these movements. By exploring what drives and shapes the conception, development and outcomes of these movements, we aim to draw lessons for wider European civic action. Why do some succeed all the way to parliament, and others fall to chaos? Are there lessons to be learned from south to east and from east to west?