How to overthrow a dictator

Applying NVDA in authoritarian settings

This presentation is based on writing by Gene Sharp and Maria J. Stephan.

Definition of NVDA

• A “battle option” and “type of unconventional warfare” involving ordinary people involved in collective acts of strategic stubbornness and defiance – (Maria Stephan)

• A “technique of sociopolitical action for applying power in conflict without the use of violence” – (Gene Sharp)

How does power work?

• Monolithic model

• People power model– How does dictatorial power work? (see

Chapter 3)– What are the weaknesses of dictatorial power

(see chapter 4)

If you are stuck in an authoritarian country and want to change its

politics, what are the problems with using violence (armed struggle) or

relying on foreign actors?

What is the underlying problem with negotiating for change?

What are the 4 general tasks you need to undertake to overthrow a

dictator, according to Sharp? (chapter 1)

• Strengthen the oppressed population

• Strengthen civic organizations

• Create a power internal resistance fo rce

• Develop a grand strategic plan, and implement it

What are some of the advantages of NVDA (political defiance)?

(chapter 5)

What common errors do many NVDA campaigns make?

Nonviolent weapons system:+200 NV repertoires in 3 categories• Protest and persuasion: marches, demos,

streat theater, vigils, etc

• Noncooperation: strikes, boycotts, civil disobedience, tax revolts, etc.

• Direct Intervention: sit-ins, creation of parallel institutions, lying in front of bulldozers, etc.

What are the four possible outcomes of NVDA (“mechanisms

of change”)? (chapter 5)

• Conversion

• Accommodation

• Nonviolent coercion

• disintegration

What are some of the key tips Sharp offers for waging successful

NVDA?• PLAN!• Education: spread idea of NVDA and

noncooperation• Start small if you are likely to get

repressed– Selective resistance: have separate

campaigns for specific and smaller objectives

• Stick to the plan

Myths of NVDA

• NVDA = pacifism

• Effective only against liberal democracies

• NVDA = “weapon of the weak”