March 12, 2010

Nonviolent Struggle

It would be a truly wonderful thing if the American system of government were capable of reforming itself to become democratic. Most likely, it can't. We're on a downward spiral that will end either in collapse or revolt. There is a politically legitimate off-ramp — Article V of the Constitution provides for amendments — but navigating great reforms through it won't be simple or easy or painless. Probably, at some point, nonviolent struggle will become necessary. To get a sense of nonviolent strategy from someone who doesn't agree with me but who has done more work on the theory and on comparative studies than anyone, I turned to Dr. Gene Sharp. It was an eye-opener to talk with him and I hope he forgives me my impertinent questioning. Total runtime forty three minutes. Enjoy!