Waging Nonviolent Struggle: A Book Review
an article by Tony Dominski

Some people think that only saints or true believers can practice nonviolent action. In his masterful new book, "Waging Nonviolent Struggle," Dr. Gene Sharp points out that many successful nonviolent campaigns have been conducted by those who believed in the legitimacy of violence.

Sharp’s goal is to apply the hard lessons learned from 20th Century struggles to forward the practice of the 21st. He predicts: "Expanded applications of nonviolent struggle in the future will not only contribute to the reduction of major violence but to the expansion of democratic practices, political freedom and social justice." Sharp, a Senior Fellow at the Einstein Institution, has spent a half a century of scholarship and activism to advance this goal.

Part One of Sharp’s book explores the roots of power, and how power can be challenged through nonviolent action. Part Two presents 23 fascinating case histories of the 20th Century, which illustrate the techniques and successes, as well as, the perils and failures of nonviolent action. These include less known campaigns such as the successful resistance of the Norwegian teachers to fascism in 1942, and the courageous, but so far unsuccessful, campaign against Burmese dictators in 1988-1990. I was haunted by the account of Argentinean mothers slowly marching counterclockwise in the Plaza De Mayo [1977-1982] to demand that the junta disclose the fate of their missing children.

The last sections of the book provide an extremely detailed and practical exposition of the tactics and strategy of nonviolent action, which should prove of immense help to activists. Included are potential applications to correct 21st Century ills such as genocide, ethnic, and religions oppression and economic injustice.

Conclusion: Dr. Sharp's book is insightful, practical and inspiring--a must read for those working for a culture of peace.

Details of the book: Waging Nonviolent Struggle: 20th Century Practice and 21st century Potential, 2005, by Gene Sharp, 598 Pages, Porter Sargent Publishers, Boston.

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