Waging Nonviolent Struggle- : The Importance of Having a Strategy

This is a theoretical study of the importance of adopting a strategy when waging a nonviolent struggle on governmental oppression. It serves as a preparatory study for future research about the method of non-violent struggle. It is written to illuminate the difference between conducting a nonviolent struggle in a passive manner and conducting it in an active nonviolent manner, based on planning, structuring, discipline and hard work. Hence, the primary aim with this study is two-fold. First, it is to discern the advantages that come with developing a strategy when using non-violent action to pursue a struggle. Second, the aim is to construct an analytical framework for future studies of non-violent action. To reach the aim with this thesis, the following questions were asked: • Why should a strategy be used in non-violent action? • What similarities and differences are there between planning and structuring a nonviolent struggle, compared to an armed one? • Is there any core principles to follow and how is a clear strategy developed? This theoretical study is based on an argumentative method of research. A critical literature approach has been made and the material derives only from secondary sources like books and the Internet. The study outlines in an analytical framework that is developed to be applied in future research of non-violent cases. The outcome of this study indicates that to have a clear strategy is as crucial in a nonviolent struggle as in an armed conflict. It is of highest importance to have a detailed strategy if the struggle is going to be successful and to be able to utilize one’s resources and forces in a maximum way. When used to its maximum capacity, nonviolent action is a force that seems to be a fruitful alternative to bring about societal change