articlesHere we have archived articles we use as workshop resources. They look at nonviolence from a wide range of perspectives and include some more challenging arguments that may help us to deepen our understanding. Whether they are from years past or more recent, all embody a timeless message of nonviolent social change and offer us inspiration and guidance.
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The Global Spread of Active NonviolenceThis article from 1996 reviews the influence and impact that nonviolence philosophy and practice had in the 20th century. Many people are aware of Gandhi's efforts in India's struggle for independence, and Martin Luther King Jr's dynamic social religious philosophy driving the US civil rights movement. But few recognise the connection between these movements and the 'people power' used to overthrow dictators, as in the Philippines and Chile; Chinese democracy protesters' and the Burmese National League for Democracy's commitment to nonviolence; and how nonviolence was at the heart of South Africa's resistance to apartheid. The Global Spread of Active Nonviolence also looks at the role of nonviolence and social change in Haiti, Israel/Palestine, and the former Soviet bloc. Read more here. Arms and the Movement - Pacifism equals pacified to this activistThis article by author and activist Peter Gelderloos draws from his book 'How Nonviolence Protects the State' to argue provocatively that nonviolence on its own is not enough. A variety of tactics, even violence, is what propels resistance movements to success. Understanding the complicated histories of resistance will help us to understand why we sometimes fail and other times succeed. Read more here. Maximizing ParticipationIn Janet Chisholm's article, 'Maximizing Participation', she argues that 'we are the ones we have been waiting for.' A skilled nonviolence trainer begins by eliciting and affirming the experiences and wisdom of individuals to guide us in finding the leader and team player in all of us. Read more here. |