The Strategy of Nonviolent Defense: A Gandhian Approach - Softcover

Burrowes, Robert J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0791425886 ISBN 13: 9780791425886

Publisher: SUNY Press, 1995

Synopsis

Because of the way in which the history of nonviolence has been marginalized, relatively few people have a sense of the rich history of nonviolent struggle or realize that it can be systematically planned and applied. Nevertheless, the historical record illustrates that nonviolent struggle is a powerful form of political action. But can it be effective against military aggression?

The Strategy of Nonviolent Defense answers this question in the affirmative by first defining the notion of "social cosmology"--the four mutually reinforcing features that determine the character of any society. It then devotes attention to strategies for dealing with conflict, in particular, to developing a strategic theory and framework for planning a strategy of nonviolent defense. In order to develop this theory, Burrowes synthesizes insights drawn from the strategic theory of Carl von Clausewitz, the nonviolence of Mahatma Gandhi, and recent human needs and conflict theory.

About this title

About the Author

Robert J. Burrowes has been a member of the Australian Nonviolence Network since 1981 and has been involved in many nonviolent action campaigns. He is best known for his war tax resistance, his involvement in the campaign of the Melbourne Rainforest Action Group, and his membership in the Gulf Peace Team. He now devotes all of his time to nonviolent activism, education, and research.

From the Back Cover

Given the way in which the history of nonviolence has been marginalized, relatively few people have a sense of the rich history of nonviolent struggle or realize that it can be systematically planned or applied. Nevertheless, the historical record illustrates that nonviolent struggle is a powerful form of political action. But can it be effective against military aggression? The Strategy of Nonviolent Defense answers this question in the affirmative by first defining the notion of 'social cosmology' - the four mutually reinforcing features that determine the character of any society.

Edition details

• Publisher: SUNY Press
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0791425886
• ISBN 13: 9780791425886
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 380