2026/04/16 by Brian Martin · 1 voice
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #Indian History and Philosophy #Martial Arts: Techniques, Psychology, and Education #Peace and Human Rights Education
paper · doi:10.1163/27727882-bja00063
openalex publication_date 2026/04/16 · openalex created_date 2026/04/23 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
Abstract Gene Sharp presented a framework for nonviolent struggles with a set of stages or components, which he called the dynamics of nonviolent action. However, at each stage, the opponent — such as a repressive government — can take measures to undermine or thwart campaigners. Within the stage that Sharp called political jiu-jitsu, the opponent can and often does use a variety of tactics to prevent or stymie the jiu-jitsu outcome, for example by covering up the action and devaluing the target. Powerful opponents can also use tactics to counter nonviolent campaigns in other components of Sharp’s dynamics. However, less attention has been given to these tactics, in part because they are typically less visible, though their effects on campaigns can be far-reaching. A preliminary examination of these sorts of opponent tactics and activist counter-tactics, with examples from the stages of “laying the groundwork,” “maintaining nonviolent discipline” and “achieving success,” provides a framework for further investigation. Examining tactics within the different stages of nonviolent campaigns can offer guidance to campaigners.