Using new research on higher education in the UK, Canada, Chile and Italy, this rigorous comparative study investigates key episodes of student protests against neoliberal policies and practices in today’s universities. As well as examining origins and outcomes of higher education reforms, the authors set these waves of demonstrations in the wider contexts of student movements, political activism and social issues, including inequality and civil rights. Offering sophisticated new theoretical arguments based on fascinating empirical work, the insights and conclusions revealed in this original study are of value to anyone with an interest in social, political and related studies.This investigation of student protests in the UK, Canada, Chile and Italy represents the first comparative review of the subject. As well as examining origins and outcomes of neoliberal university policies and practices, the authors locate the wave of contention within wider social and political contexts, providing valuable conclusions for anyone with an interest in social, political and related studies.