unarmed struggle
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Blog: The Sharpeville Massacre: Defeat or Backfire?

Philippe Duhamel's picture
Posted November 19th, 2009 by Philippe Duhamel

massacreFrom the 1960's to this day, the Sharpeville massacre under apartheid
South Africa has been regularly cited as a clear-cut example of why nonviolent action doesn't work. As part of our series on nonviolent struggle, we take a closer look at what happened on that fateful day when women, children and men were shot dead by police, and its aftermath. Was the only possible conclusion that armed struggle was going to be the only option? What might such levels of repression mean
for the relevance of unarmed methods of fundamental change?

Blog: Nine ways nonviolent action workshops make better activists

Philippe Duhamel's picture
Posted June 17th, 2008 by Philippe Duhamel
Group trainingIn the yard behind Christian Peacemaker Teams' headquarters in Chicago, trainees stage a realistic role-playing exercise to prepare for nonviolent accompaniment work in Hebron. Photo cc: delayed gratification.

 

The goal of training in nonviolent conflict is to prepare activists and supporters politically, physically, and psychologically to wage powerful campaigns and actions. Here are nine ways nonviolent action workshops help individuals hone their skills and nurture the courage and resilience they need to withstand the pressures of unarmed struggle.

Blog: Nonviolence training, what is it good for?

Philippe Duhamel's picture
Posted May 30th, 2008 by Philippe Duhamel

Line of police

photo cc: treviño

There's an idea out there that anyone can take to the streets and make themselves heard. You just head out and start demonstrating to confront power. It's a beautiful idea.

Sooner than later, however, any assertive form of mass mobilization will cross path with agents of authority, be they security guards, police, or military. These forces are armed, and trained.