DSPO 25A87 - Theory and Practice of Nonviolent Social Movements: from Gandhi to the Arab Spring and Beyond

What exactly constitutes a nonviolent social movement? Why and when are they effective? How is grassroots organizing different from mobilizing and how are they related to social movements? And what, if anything, can the international community including foundations, diasporas, and civil society do to foster the success of nonviolent social movements? Nonviolent social movements have proven capable of toppling regimes, advancing historic policy reforms, recasting the geopolitical landscape, and inspiring people to reimagine what is possible in their societies. This seminar is intended to provide a broad, interdisciplinary overview of the study of what has been interchangeably called nonviolent social movements, nonviolent civil resistance, nonviolent activism, and strategic nonviolence. It will explore questions surrounding the ethics of nonviolent activism, when and where it has been used, the conditions under which it is more or less effective, and its consequences for local communities, state polities, and the international system. The course will draw from seminal texts, historical accounts, cutting-edge social science research, and guest speakers. Students will gain a foundational understanding of both the normative and empirical debates surrounding the practice of nonviolent activism, a familiarity with key cases in which it has been used, and an understanding of how this form of civic engagement is resourced. The course will entail substantial discussion in class.

None

Weekly written reading responses ii) class discussion iii) exam iv) final essay