How Nonviolent Struggle Works

by Gene Sharp

How Nonviolent Struggle Works is a serious introduction to nonviolent struggle, its operation, and how it can be used against organized opponents with the capacity to impose harsh repression. This book offers the principle contents of Dr. Sharp’s The Politics of Nonviolent Action in a concise, accessible, and translatable format. It will be of interest to students, activists, and anyone who wants to learn about the technique.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Social Justice, Philosophy

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Gene Sharp was an American political scientist. He was the founder of the Albert Einstein Institution, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the study of nonviolent action, and professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. He was known for his extensive writings on nonviolent struggle, which have influenced numerous anti-government resistance movements around the world.
Sharp received the 2008 Int’l Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award for his lifelong commitment to the defense of freedom, democracy, and the reduction of political violence through scholarly analysis of the power of nonviolent action. Unofficial sources have claimed that Sharp was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015, and had previously been nominated three times, in 2009, 2012 and 2013. Sharp was widely considered the favorite for the 2012 award. In 2011, he was awarded the El-Hibri Peace Education Prize. In 2012, he was a recipient of the Right Livelihood Award for "developing and articulating the core principles and strategies of nonviolent resistance and supporting their practical implementation in conflict areas around the world".

Reviews

[Abhijeet Parida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an abridged and simple version of the three part series- . It is a quick read to understand the how non violent struggle work, what are some ways to implement them and what are some steps that can ensure the impact of these struggle. An important notion that the Gene Sharp mentions is what to do when you are successful in getting radical change in place as a result of on the nonviolent struggle. This last part is generally missing in most revolutionary content. A drawback of this easy to understand version is that it is devoid of any historical reference to use of the instruments described in the book(which is available in the original works).

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

If not me (you) then who? If not NOW, then when?

The Supreme Court of the United States escalated the Culture War.

NONViolent Struggle WORKS.

"Strategy is at least as important in nonviolent action as it is in military action. It is important to choose the course of action and carry it out carefully and intelligently."

I have kept this book on my currently reading shelf because I go back to it frequently.

NONViolent Struggle WORKS.

Don't let the Authoritarian Right or the Christian Nationalists/Dominionists make victims of you.

Rage is healthy and natural. But it must be given appropriate direction to facilitate effective change in society.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely abridged handbook / notes categorizing and discussing strategic interactions between nonviolent techniques. All historical examples and context removed for brevity.

[Madrileña Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Si ya leíste "De la dictadura a la democracia", este se hace un poco repetitivo.

[harps · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I'm ready to overthrow bjjobs now, Gene.

[Paulo Reimann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary

It is a summary of the summary summary that scares one. Few pages squeezed out of 900 pages. Commercially non violent

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

An educational, direct summary on the mechanism and techniques of nonviolent struggle. I appreciated the conciseness and understand that many practical examples in historical contexts have been taken out to create this abridged version. As a result, I felt like I didn't get as much insight into the topic as I would have liked. The arguments of the effectiveness of nonviolent action were backed by logical reasoning and the removal of emotional investment in the writing made the read reminiscent of a handbook or textbook. This did mean that I found it a little dry at times and struggled to engage fully as intricacies were brushed over at times.

[Andy Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharp details 198 methods of nonviolent direct action and presents solid reasoning on protest, non co-operation and intervention in this area. A brilliant and vital resource, the book is written in easy to understand language. Though at times dry, it's nonetheless vital. This classic is free online too.