Taught By:
Stephanie Knox Steiner
Assistant Professor
Peace and Conflict Studies
University for Peace
Read profile here.
Course Description:
This course explores the history, theoretical foundations, and practice of strategic nonviolent resistance (also known as nonviolence, civil resistance, civil disobedience, etc.). We will begin by developing a theoretical foundation through exploring concepts, the differences and overlaps among strategic and principled perspectives, key debates, critiques, and misconceptions of the field. Using case study examples of historical and contemporary nonviolent movements globally, we will explore the dynamics of nonviolent movements and what makes them successful (or not), including skills, conditions, and types of actions, strategies, tactics, and methods, and will further discuss what we mean by “success” from different perspectives. We will look at different contexts in which nonviolent resistance is applied, and for what purposes, including movements for sovereignty, civil and human rights, etc.
