Story perspectives

Book Reveals Larzac Protests' Impact on Global Resistance

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Larzac protests began in 1971 and influenced global demonstrations, according to author Andrew Smith.
Protests erupted after the government announced plans to expand a military base, dismissing local farmers as "a few peasants" in "French Siberia."
Residents vowed to resist displacement, illustrating regional radicalism and transnational resistance.
Smith discusses these themes in his book Make cheese not war: Transnational resistance and the Larzac in modern France.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Larzac protests began in 1971 and influenced global demonstrations, according to author Andrew Smith.
Protests erupted after the government announced plans to expand a military base, dismissing local farmers as "a few peasants" in "French Siberia."
Residents vowed to resist displacement, illustrating regional radicalism and transnational resistance.
Smith discusses these themes in his book Make cheese not war: Transnational resistance and the Larzac in modern France.