The concept of violence generally refers to the destructive use of physical force against property or people. In the concept of society, it also includes systems of oppression and
domination. Structural violence located in an organization in society may lead to physical violence. Nonviolent action is a strategy of change which incorporates several techniques such as nonresistance, active
reconciliation, passive resistance, noncooperation. Conflicts are resolved by doing or refusing to do certain things, without the use of physical force. While there are different types of nonviolence, there are
four major approaches to nonviolence. as identified by Robert J. Borrowes in the Strategy of Nonviolent Defense. These approaches are descriptive and not definitive and the strategies may be combined
if needed.
- Principled nonviolence. The opponent is viewed as a partner in the struggle to satisfy the needs of all. Nonviolence is a way of life and there is a unity of means and end.
- Pragmatic nonviolence. The opponent is an antagonist with incompatible interests. The opponent has to be defeated, and suffering (except physical suffering) may be inflicted on the opponent.
- Reformist nonviolence. Practitioners identify certain policies as the cause of social problems. They use campaigns to change these policies within the social framework
- Revolutionary nonviolence. Practioners conduct a structural analysis of political and economic relationships. They identify the shortcomings and conduct campaigns for revolutionary structural change.
Learn More About Nonviolence Understanding Nonviolence.
Article by Mark Shepard Non-Violence: What Do We Mean?
Correcting Common Misconceptions About Nonviolent Action.
Article published by the Albert Einstein Institution Methods of Nonviolent Action.
Excerpt from Gene Sharp, The Methods of Nonviolent Action Historical Examples of Nonviolent Struggle
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Published by the Albert Einstein Institution Nonviolence in the 21st Century: Challenges and Choices.
Article by Arun Gandhi Peace Magazine
Annotated Bibliography of Nonviolent Action Training |
