Sharp's Dictionary of Power and Struggle: Language of Civil Resistance in Conflicts

From the 494 B.C. plebeians' march out of Rome to gain improved status, to Gandhi's nonviolent campaigns in India, to the liberation of Poland and the Baltic nations, and the revolutions in North Africa, nonviolent struggles have played pivotal roles in world events for centuries. Sharp's Dictionary of Power and Struggle is a groundbreaking reference work on this topic by the "godfather of nonviolent resistance." In nearly 1,000 entries, the Dictionary defines those ideologies, political systems, strategies, methods, and concepts that form the core of nonviolent action as it has occurred throughout history and across the globe, providing much-needed clarification of language that is often mired in confusion. Entries discuss everything from militarization to censorship, guerrilla theater, pacifism, secret agents, and protest songs. In addition, the dictionary features a foreword by Sir Adam Roberts, President of the British Academy; an introduction by Gene Sharp; an essay on power and realism; case studies of conflicts in Serbia and Tunisia; and a guide for further reading. Sharp's Dictionary of Power and Struggle is an invaluable resource for activists, educators and anyone else curious about nonviolent alternatives to both passivity and violent conflict. "Gene Sharp is perhaps the most influential proponent of nonviolent action alive."--The Progressive "Sharp has had broad influence on international events over the past two decades, helping to advance a global democratic awakening."--The Wall Street Journal "[Sharp's] work has served as the template for taking on authoritarian regimes from Burma to Belgrade."--The Christian Science Monitor

Politics & Social Sciences

Sharp, Gene

Social Sciences

Oxford University Press

From the 494 B.C. plebeians' march out of Rome to gain improved status, to Gandhi's nonviolent campaigns in India, to the liberation of Poland and the Baltic nations, and the revolutions in North Africa, nonviolent struggles have played pivotal roles in world events for centuries. Sharp's Dictionary of Power and Struggle is a groundbreaking reference work on this topic by the "godfather of nonviolent resistance." In nearly 1,000 entries, the Dictionary defines those ideologies, political systems, strategies, methods, and concepts that form the core of nonviolent action as it has occurred throughout history and across the globe, providing much-needed clarification of language that is often mired in confusion. Entries discuss everything from militarization to censorship, guerrilla theater, pacifism, secret agents, and protest songs. In addition, the dictionary features a foreword by Sir Adam Roberts, President of the British Academy; an introduction by Gene Sharp; an essay on power and realism; case studies of conflicts in Serbia and Tunisia; and a guide for further reading. Sharp's Dictionary of Power and Struggle is an invaluable resource for activists, educators and anyone else curious about nonviolent alternatives to both passivity and violent conflict. "Gene Sharp is perhaps the most influential proponent of nonviolent action alive."--The Progressive"Sharp has had broad influence on international events over the past two decades, helping to advance a global democratic awakening."--The Wall Street Journal"[Sharp's] work has served as the template for taking on authoritarian regimes from Burma to Belgrade."--The Christian Science Monitor

Fighting Tyranny combines two of Gene Sharp's books in a single pocket-sized volume - From Dictatorship to Democracy and The Anti-Coup. At a time when governments around the world are becoming increasingly authoritarian and aggressive towards their citizens, this book offers ideas and nonviolent methods of action to defend or establish democratic systems.\nFrom Dictatorship to Democracy - A conceptual Framework for Liberation is a practical exploration of the techniques of nonviolent struggle against totalitarian regimes. This book has been used successfully by activists from all sides of the political spectrum, by grassroots activists and state-backed colour revolutionaries alike, to overthrow governments and effect political change.\nThe Anti-Coup - co-authored with Bruce Jenkins - examines the possibilities of nonviolent defence against coups d'état. Coups may happen to a functioning democracy, or in the power vacuum that occurs after a government has been ousted. The Anti-Coup describes methods to block coups and putsch attempts which can be used by citizens and governments.

Fighting Tyranny: From Dictatorship to Democracy & The Anti-Coup

Jenkins, Bruce

Constitutional Law

Spinebill Press

"Two things are certain about the future of politics and international relations," writes Gene Sharp. "Conflict is inevitable, and effective defense will be required against internal usurpers and international aggressors." The crucial issue is how to deter and defend against such attacks. Sharp has been called the "Clausewitz of nonviolent warfare" and has been a leading pioneer in developing of civilian-based defense. This book applies the results of his studies on nonviolent struggle to the problems of deterrence and defense. For the general public and policymakers, it explains how massive and selective noncooperation and defiance by a country's population and institutions can deny attackers their objectives without the dangers of modern war.
 Sharp discusses several prototypical cases of improvised nonviolent noncooperation and defiance against occupations and coups. He explores the strategies of prepared civilian-based defense and the ways "transarmament"--or the changeover from military defense systems--could be conducted. He also surveys the efforts of a few European countries to integrate small nonviolent resistance components into their predominantly military defense policies. Rather than treating nonviolent ethical systems, the author focuses on the practicalities of the further development of a "nonviolent weapons system."

Civilian-Based Defense: A Post-Military Weapons System

Criminal Law

Princeton University Press

First published in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor &amp; Francis, an informa company.

Nonviolent Action: A Research Guide (Garland Reference Library of Social Science)

History

McCarthy, Ronald M.

Bennett, Brad

Americas

Routledge

Making Europe Unconquerable: A Civilian-Based Deterrence and Defense System

Politics & Government

Harpercollins College Div

The politics of nonviolent action (Extending horizons books)

P. Sargent Publisher

Notes inside front cover: "The Dynamics of Nonviolent Action examines the complex operation of this technique against a violent, repressive opponent. Ground work which may precede the struggle is explored, as well as basic requirements for effectives. Then the focus turns to the initial impact of the nonviolent challenge. Repression is probable. Determined, yet nonviolent, continued resistance is needed to fight it. The opponent's repression may rebound by 'political jiu-jitsu', weakening his power by loss of support and increased resistance. Three main mechanisms by which nonviolent action may produce vitory are examined: conversion (the rarest), accomodation, and nonviolent coercion. Massive noncooperation may paralyze and disintegrate even an oppressive system. All these elements of the dynamics of nonviolent struggle are illustrated with examples. The resisting group itself is also changed: it gains in self-respect, confidence and power. Empowerment of the struggle group, the accompanying strengthening of the non-State institutions, ability to defeat repressive elites, and the extension among the populace of a nonviolent struggle capacity, contribute to long-term social changes by redistributing power."

Dynamics of Nonviolent Action (Politics of Nonviolent Action, Part 3)

Extending Horizons Books

Social Power and Political Freedom might have been called "Rethinking Politics." These penetrating, readable chapters urge us to think freshly about society's gravest problems - and to seek new solutions to dictatorship, genocide, war and oppression - unbound by past doctrines.

Social Power and Political Freedom

Albert Einstein Inst

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