The Power of Nonviolent Actionworkshop

Cape Town, 24-26 November

Introduction to Non Violent Action

Learning objectives:

• What is the traditional view of power?• Who are true power-holders in society?• What is the basis of nonviolent action?• Does context matter?

Traditional view: Power

• as CONTROL of material resources• & CAPACITY for violence

Money and guns: ultimate source of POWER

Who holds power?

- Power in hands of few individualsExamples:

EliteWealthyRulersLeadersPoliticiansPolice

Behaviour Patterns

• Why do people “obey”?– People feel there’s no alternative way– Lack of confidence: actions can make a difference

Key:Forgotten that…

People

are true power-holders

In politics, power is never given, it’s always taken

• Non Violent action based on insight:– Power in society is ultimately derived from

people’s CONSENT & OBEDIENCE

– If people do not obey, then rulers or corporations can’t rule

People’s Power

• All institutions & systems in society DEPEND on ongoing consent, cooperation & obedience of large numbers of people

• If people choose to WITHDRAW their CONSENT & COOPERATION in an organised & strategic way, then people can wield power

Balance of Power Shifts

• By creating SHIFTS in people’s loyalties & obedience patterns, Balance of Power in society SHIFTS

• Research found:– Nonviolent movements were successful because

they wielded power greater than opponents

Misunderstandings: Non Violence

• Violence works quickly. Non Violence takes long

• Non Violence is weak• Non Violence is Pacifism• Need a charismatic leader • Religion/Culture specific• Based on ethical principles

History shows…

• Through collective action, people who are organised around a collective vision & act strategically, are stronger than armies & money

What are the figures?

• Erica Chenowith and Maria Stephan• Violent vs. Nonviolent Movements, 1900-2006

• Results– 53% success: nonviolent campaigns– 26% success: violent resistance campaigns

Context matters

• No one-size fits all recipe for success• Each situation has complex context

BUTPrinciples that govern Non Violent action, constant across all struggles

Resources

Content:• Gene Sharp: There are Realistic Alternatives (2003)• Hardy Merriman: Agents of Change (2008)• Hardy Merriman: The Trifecta of Civil Resistance (2010)• Maria Stephan and Erica Chenoweth: Why Civil Resistance

Works

Photographs:David Harrison

Thank you