The Methods of Nonviolent Action, Part Three: The Dynamics of Nonviolent Action

The Politics of Nonviolent Action #3

by Gene Sharp

Notes inside front "The Dynamics of Nonviolent Action examines the complex operation of this technique against a violent, repressive opponent. Ground work which may precede the struggle is explored, as well as basic requirements for effectives. Then the focus turns to the initial impact of the nonviolent challenge. Repression is probable. Determined, yet nonviolent, continued resistance is needed to fight it. The opponent's repression may rebound by 'political jiu-jitsu', weakening his power by loss of support and increased resistance. Three main mechanisms by which nonviolent action may produce vitory are conversion (the rarest), accomodation, and nonviolent coercion. Massive noncooperation may paralyze and disintegrate even an oppressive system. All these elements of the dynamics of nonviolent struggle are illustrated with examples. The resisting group itself is also it gains in self-respect, confidence and power. Empowerment of the struggle group, the accompanying strengthening of the non-State institutions, ability to defeat repressive elites, and the extension among the populace of a nonviolent struggle capacity, contribute to long-term social changes by redistributing power."

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Activism, Political Science, History, Sociology

Paperback

First published June 1, 1980

About the author

Gene Sharp was an American political scientist. He was the founder of the Albert Einstein Institution, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the study of nonviolent action, and professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. He was known for his extensive writings on nonviolent struggle, which have influenced numerous anti-government resistance movements around the world.
Sharp received the 2008 Int’l Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award for his lifelong commitment to the defense of freedom, democracy, and the reduction of political violence through scholarly analysis of the power of nonviolent action. Unofficial sources have claimed that Sharp was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015, and had previously been nominated three times, in 2009, 2012 and 2013. Sharp was widely considered the favorite for the 2012 award. In 2011, he was awarded the El-Hibri Peace Education Prize. In 2012, he was a recipient of the Right Livelihood Award for "developing and articulating the core principles and strategies of nonviolent resistance and supporting their practical implementation in conflict areas around the world".

Reviews

[ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What methods underly successful nonviolent action? What types of response is nonviolent action likely to provoke from powerholders, and what methods exist to blunt these attacks? How can solidarity among social movements be facilitated? Perhaps most fundamentally, what does nonviolence say about what it means to have and exert power?

Gene Sharp's third volume in the landmark nonviolence theory study, "Politics of Nonviolent Action," explores these fundamental questions to nonviolence theory, sociology and political science. Most notably, Sharp explores his idea of nonviolent action as "political jiu-jitsu," writing that "the nonviolent actionists cause the violence of the opponent's repression to be exposed in the worst possible light. This in turn may lead to shifts in opinion and then to shifts in power relationships favorable to the nonviolent group." (657)

Sharp finishes this volume exploring the different types of outcomes possible after nonviolent action -- what "victory" might look like. Drawing on previous conceptions of power as socially enacted (see Arendt and Foucault) Sharp lends credence to nonviolence as an effective method for building long-term democratic power and social change.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and thought-provoking. A little dry and academic, but very detailed, with good examples from historic actions. Anyone interested in non-violent political change should digest this tomb. I only read Part III. You can get all 3 parts in one book, if you have the stamina and inclination.

[Shalom House]

This series takes the "idealism" of using nonviolent action for social change and resolution of conflicts and lays out how to do it. It gives strategy. It give analysis. It gives examples the world over.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important discussion of the ways in which Nonviolence can replace violence as a form of international conflict resolution.

[I read this for JPST class.:]

[John Hawkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the best of the three with new information. I will report when I finish.