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The report identifies four 'pillars' of protest—demands, strategy, composition, and organization—that influence the size of a movement and the likelihood of regime loyalty shifts. It argues that non-violent, broad-based campaigns demanding regime change are most likely to succeed and lead to democratic consolidation. However, it notes a recent decline in the success rate of such movements and a rise in anti-liberal protests. For international democracy promoters, the report recommends investing in civil society infrastructure during stable periods rather than attempting to instigate regime shifts.

The document examines two distinct coal transitions in Germany: the economically driven, subsidy-supported decline of hard coal in the Ruhr area from 1958 to 2018, and the politically driven reduction of lignite in East Germany following the 1990 reunification. It evaluates the effectiveness of various structural policies, including investment support, retraining programs, and the creation of universities and infrastructure, while highlighting the risks of 'lock-in' caused by powerful industry networks. The study concludes that a 'just transition' requires multi-level governance, stakeholder participation, and a comprehensive approach that addresses not only employment and the energy system but also soft location factors and environmental renaturation.

The report analyzes a survey of 2,000 German homeowners, categorizing them into non-planning, planning, and action households. It finds that motivations shift during the process, with building appearance being a primary initial trigger, while thermal comfort and energy savings become more important for those who have already implemented retrofits. High up-front costs and reluctance to take loans are major barriers, and the study highlights the critical role of the Internet, construction professionals, and personal networks as information sources. Financial support, specifically through KfW programmes, is shown to increase the likelihood of comprehensive retrofits and reduce the tendency to drop planned measures.