Nonviolent Social Movements

Nonviolent Social Movements is the first book to offer a truly global overview of the dramatic growth of popular nonviolent struggles in recent years. From the civil rights movement in the United States, and the 'People Power' movement in the Philippines, to the pro-democracy movements of Asia, Latin America, and Europe, nonviolent action has emerged as a key element of political change in recent decades.

Despite its widespread diffusion as a conscious movement around the world, we still understand little about nonviolence as a technique for social change. This volume seeks to provide an understanding of the extent to which organized nonviolent action can be used to replace violent struggle and the conditions under which it can succeed. Nonviolent Social Movements brings together case studies from around the world to demonstrate how nonviolent action works and what possibilities and limitations it holds for achieving social change and deterring aggressors.

A rich collection of essays and interviews, Nonviolent Social Movements explores the dimensions of peaceful resistance movements. This book successfully integrates scholarly interpretations with accounts from leading activists and world figures including Vaclav Havel, Lech Walesa, and the Dalai Lama. Through a careful examination of historical documents and expert analysis, the book examines the possibilities and limitations of nonviolent movements from the grassroots to implementation. Nonviolent Social Movements uses a comparative perspective in its exploration of global regions including the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and North America.

Nonviolent Social Movements is the first book to offer a truly global overview of the dramatic growth of popular nonviolent struggles in recent years.

"At the end of the bloodiest century in human history it is vital that we learn how to solve problems and generate effective social and political change non-violently. This book demonstrates that many brave people in diverse political situations are effective because they have decided that the means are as important as the ends, that one does not defeat evil with more evil, repression with repression, violence with violence. Scholars and activists alike will find much to ponder in this collection. I commend it to everyone with an interest in the future of the human species." Kevin Clements, George Mason University <!--end-->

"This is an excellent collection of case studies knitted together by the editors' presentation of a sound set of theoretical issues. Both help us understand the dynamics of nonviolent social movements." Paul Joseph, Tufts University

"A timely book." Pacifica Review

Sources and Acknowledgments.

Notes on Editors and Contributors.

Introduction.

PART I. PERSPECTIVES ON NONVIOLENT MOVEMENTS.

1. Nonviolence and Power in the Twentieth Century (Kenneth E. Boulding).

2. You Can’t Kill the Spirit: Women and Nonviolent Action (Pam McAllister).

PART II. THE MIDDLE EAST.

Introduction.

3. Unarmed Resistance in the Middle East and North Africa (Stephen Zunes).

4. Nonviolent Resistance in the Occupied Territories: A Critical Reevaluation (Souad Dajani).

PART III. EUROPE.

Introduction.

5. The Grassroots Movement in Germany, 1972-1985 (Matthew Lyons).

6. "We Have Bare Hands": Nonviolent Social Movements in the Soviet Bloc (Lee Smithey and Lester R. Kurtz).

PART IV. ASIA.

Introduction.

7. The Origins of People Power in the Philippines (Stephen Zunes).

8. Imagery in the 1992 Nonviolent Uprising in Thailand (Chaiwat Satha-Anand).

9. Violent and Nonviolent Struggle in Burma: Is a Unified Strategy Workable (Michael A. Beer).

PART V. AFRICA.

Introduction.

10. The Ogoni Struggle for Human Rights and a Civil Society in Nigeria (Joshua Cooper).

11. The Role of Nonviolence in the Downfall of Apartheid (Stephen Zunes).

PART VI. LATIN AMERICA.

Introduction.

12. Advocating Nonviolent Direct Action In Latin America: The Antecedents and Emergence of SERPAJ (Ronald Pagnucco and John D. McCarthy).

13. The Brazilian Church-State Crisis of 1980: Effective Nonviolent Action in a Military Dictatorship (Daniel Zirker).

PART VII. NORTH AMERICA.

Introduction.

14. Nonviolent Social Movements in the United States: A Historical Overview (Charles Chatfield).

Conclusion (Stephen Zunes and Lester R. Kurtz).

Index.