Gene Sharp, "Waging Nonviolent Struggle: 20th Century Practice and 21st Century Potential"

"In a world of many acute conflicts, widespread oppression, and great violence, the technique of nonviolent struggle has considerable potential to be applied with success than ever before in a wide range of situations."

"Waging Nonviolent Struggle" is an in-depth investigation into the power of nonviolent action in various conflicts, and the potential of that power if strategically applied by its participants. The book begins with a brief overview of what is meant by nonviolent struggle (e.g. it has to do with action rather than belief) as well as some misconceptions (e.g. nonviolence does not equate to passivity), how it works against institutions of power, and the various methods, relying greatly on historical instances, of how nonviolent action is and has been practiced. Part two of the book contains historical cases, which Sharp readily admits are examples that were not always successful, not always absent of violence, and often devoid of strategic planning. What these cases provide is an insight into nonviolent struggle in its various forms and against its various opponents, and how these struggles have played out in the past. Part three and four of the book could be said to be the heart of the book, since it provides analysis into the dynamics of nonviolent struggle as well as strategic ways to wage struggle. This book is fascinating in that it provides an academic foundation for study, practice, and future research into how nonviolent struggle can and has been waged, much like one might expect from military science which espouses the methods of violence for engaging in conflicts.

Links:
The Albert Einstein Institution

Citation Information:
Sharp, G. (2005). Waging nonviolent struggle: 20th century practice and 21st century potential. Boston: Extending Horizons Books.

See Also:
Sharp, G. (1973). The politics of nonviolent action, Pt. 1-3. Boston: P. Sargent.

Sharp, G. (2003). From dictatorship to democracy: A conceptual framework for liberation.. Boston: Albert Einstein Institution. (.pdf document)