Civil Resistance

Abstract This book provides a basic empirical introduction to what everyone should know about civil resistance, discussing patterns of civil resistance in fairly general terms. It focuses on global trends, patterns, and dynamics rather than in- depth accounts of specific historical examples of nonviolent resistance. It also uses examples of civil resistance campaigns to illustrate different points and defers to other experts for those interested in specific knowledge about in-depth theoretical and conceptual discussions, as well as detailed knowledge about the workings of particular campaigns. The book is not intended to be the last word on civil resistance, as it is an emergent phenomenon, and the world is changing rapidly. Ten years from now, one might write an entirely different book on the subject, revising many of the tables, charts, and substantive conclusions. The best way to read this book is to see whether the text resonates with one's observations, intuitions, and experiences. It points out that this book should not be considered as a prescriptive manual on how to do civil resistance. People who are waging nonviolent struggle are always in the best position to decide for themselves the best course of action to take. There is no generalizable recipe for effective resistance anyway. But there are distinct lessons from the past that could inform the present and the future.