On Strategic Nonviolent Conflict: Thinking about the Fundamentals

by Robert Helvey

On Strategic Nonviolent Conflict delves into the question of how to build a strategy for nonviolent struggle. Covering a variety of topics--such as ways to identify a movement's objectives, preparing a strategic estimate for a nonviolent struggle, and operational planning considerations--this publication contains insights on the similarities between military and nonviolent strategy. It represents a major new contribution to this field of study. Additional topics covered in the book include psychological operations and propaganda, contaminants that may affect the efficiency of a nonviolent movement, and providing consultations and training for members of movements and organizations.

online PDF; paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Alex Pagliuca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't a polemic on the moral authority of nonviolence, nor is it an exploration of the philosophy associated with itt's three most famous advocates, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela. This is a sober, straightforward description of how to go about using nonviolence as a method of undermining despotic regimes and how to go about developing the kind of long term strategy necessary to have an actual chance of establishing a democratoc government. It's no nonsense, direct, and doesn't deal with ideologies or the kind of idealism that often comes with democratic movements. It gives clear direction on how to develop strategy, common pitfalls, and equally important, suggests the strategy developed must include what to do if the movement dodes actually win amd topples an authoritarian government. Refreshingly blunt, clear headed and inspiring in that context.

[Mo Kh]

Great start till now !