Judging Nonviolence: The Dispute Between Realists and Idealists

by Manfred B. Steger

This text is an innovative and accessible work that introduces readers to the main arguments for and against the use of violence in politics. Indeed, the problem of political violence has acquired new salience in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Written by an experienced teacher and scholar of the subject, the book has been specially designed to engage readers by encouraging them to assume the role of impartial jurors in a simulated trial against nonviolence. This exciting participatory format allows readers to critical explore the main assumptions and myths that underpin various realist and idealist approaches to nonviolence. Key features of this text Coverage of the main idealist theories, traditions, methods and movements that favor non-violent political action Coverage of the main realist arguments against nonviolent strategies Examples of major nonviolent social and political movements from the early twentieth century to today

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Manfred B. Steger (born 1961) is Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He was also Professor of Global Studies and Director of the Globalism Research Centre at RMIT University in Australia until 2013. Steger's research and teaching spans globalization, ideology, and non-violence.

Steger's won the 2003 Michael Harrington Award with his study on Globalism: The New Market Ideology.