In the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, nonviolent movements for justice have succeeded where violent campaigns have failed. This book examines fourteen cases-eleven movements that succeeded and three that have, until now, failed-and shows why nonviolent strategies work, drawing on the thought of practitioners and theorists. Later chapters examine violent U.S. interventions abroad and at home, as well as citizen movements for nonviolent conflict resolution. As an introduction to nonviolent movements, this text engages students in recent events from the news as well as the history of modern warfare. Bringing in philosophical and religious texts from a diverse set of traditions, author Michael K. Duffey offers a multifaceted argument for embracing nonviolent solutions to conflict.
Michael K. Duffey is associate professor emeritus and former director of the Interdisciplinary Major in Peace Studies at Marquette University. Duffey specializes in theological ethics with particular attention to issues of justice and peace, human rights, and Protestant and Catholic ethical methodologies. His most recent books are Sowing Justice, Reaping Peace: Case Studies of Racial, Religious, and Ethic Healing Around the World and Peacemaking and the Challenge of Violence in World Religions (coedited with Irfan A Omar).
As the title suggests, we must be committed to "war no more." The first chapter of the book deals with seven U.S. wars of the twentieth and twenty-first century, beginning with the two World Wars, then moves on to the five wars of choice in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq (twice), and Afghanistan, and asks how modern wars have failed to meet the criteria of morally justifiable war as they are articulated in the just war tradition. In Chapter Two, the book's treatment of nonviolence begins with Gandhi's political insights and ascetic practices. After a detailed study of Gandhi's nonviolence, an objection-that Gandhi could not have succeeded in overcoming the rise of the Third Reich and German aggression-is answered. The next three chapters examine eleven other nonviolent movements. (An appendix looks at nonviolent movements that have not succeeded and asks why.) Chapter Six turns to U.S. violence in its foreign interventions and domestic culture. Despite the successes of nonviolence in other places, nonviolence is not part of the American habit of dealing with conflict (with the exception of some domestic movements-the civil rights and migrant farm workers movements, for example). To an extent, this is understandable. Powerless groups may choose nonviolence because it is their only realistic option, but recourse to nonviolence in the United States requires a choice to "go against the grain." The end of the chapter turns to the barriers to nonviolent activism: What has prevented more activism against violence? The first half of Chapter Seven addresses the qualities of successful movements, some illustrated by earlier cases in the book. Section Two examines social injustices to be addressed. The last chapter examines the potential of the teachings of world religions to encourage nonviolence among their adherents. (This is not a stretch for me; I coedited a book on the subject in 2015.) Whether those aspiring to nonviolent action are religious or secular, all must learn several essential virtues.
Duffey's primer on nonviolence could hardly be timelier. It is thoughtful, readable, and eminently practical. Highly recommended.--Andrew J. Bacevich, professor emeritus of international relations and history, Boston University, and president of Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Duffey's work challenges the inevitability of violence as he examines war's devastation. Duffey explores successful nonviolent movements across the globe while specifically addressing the role of nonviolent activism against the violence of United States' foreign and domestic interventions. This approach challenges students and instructors to re-examine existing assumptions about violence and considers the power and pragmatism of nonviolence, including on a personal level. Duffey's work is essential reading for those considering the possibilities of peace in a twenty-first century world.--Thomas Durkin, lecturer in interdisciplinary peace studies and research & grant coordinator, Marquette University Center for Peacemaking. Even if you are familiar with many of Duffey's case studies, you will value his insights and contemporary applications. Ring the church bells. We have an alternative to war.--Terrence Rynne, professor in the Interdisciplinary Major in Peace Studies, Marquette University, co-founder of Center for Peacemaking In his most timely War No More: An Introduction to Nonviolent Struggles for Justice, Duffey joins his unwavering dedication as an educator and life-long commitment to nonviolent activism as an instrument in peacemaking and building a nonviolent culture, particularly in the United States.--Judith Mayotte, author of Disposable People? The Plight of Refugees The presumption that nonviolence cannot work is usually taken as a given. The given then becomes a necessity. In response to that presumption, Duffey offers us case studies to enliven our imaginations that makes possible our ability to see peace.--Stanley Hauerwas, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor Emeritus of Divinity and Law, Duke University, on the ABC Religion & Ethics website This book takes the reader on a thematic journey through a variety of successful nonviolent struggles in the hope of inspiring new ones. It is an important addition to the growing literature in the field.--Irfan Omar, professor in world religions, Islam, and theologies of nonviolence in the Department of Theology, Marquette University War No More is a well-researched examination book on nonviolent approach to conflicts. Michael Duffey has painstakingly examined the philosophies and actions taken by groups all over the world to bring a peaceful resolution to conflict. This is a must-read for all who live peace.--Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, and founder of the Mohandas K. Gandhi Institute for Peace in the United States We may feel more divided than ever, but this volume gives perspective to the multitude of times in human history when deep divisions have characterized our world and shows how nonviolence was used to bridge those divides. If you are looking to turn your students on to the study of nonviolence, this is the book for you. The incisive case studies included reveal the truly global nature of nonviolent social change. This is an accessible study that considers many angles from which to explore the who, what, when, and why of nonviolence.--Lynne M. Woehrle, associate professor of sociology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and director of the Master of Sustainable Peacebuilding Program
