The Paradox of Repression and Nonviolent Movements

Lester R. Kurtz is professor of sociology at George Mason University. He is the editor of the three-volume Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace and Conflict. Lee A. Smithey is associate professor of sociology at Swarthmore College. He is the author of Unionists, Loyalists, and Conflict Transformation in Northern Ireland.

Analyzes various methods of repression in a comprehensive manner, it is understandable and provides a relatively extensive foundation for interpreting repressive mechanisms and their impacts on social movements.-- "Interface: a journal for and about social movements" In their thorough study of the effects of repression on social movements, especially nonviolent struggles, sociologists Kurtz and Smithey and their contributors go right to the heart of exploring how leaders, organizers, and activists can manage repressive reprisals. Although it may at first seem to be illogical, they show that it is possible to learn how intelligently to manage repression and ironically even gain from antagonistic opposition.-- "Mary Elizabeth King, professor of peace and conflict studies, University for Peace" Moves our knowledge of this understudied yet critical aspect of nonviolent action forward in significant and compelling ways.-- "Patrick G. Coy, director School of Peace and Conflict Studies, Kent State University" The book will be a great resource for anyone interested in learning how and in what context violent repression backfires to the authority. The focus on strategic nonviolent action also offers valuable insights for political actors interested in nonviolent action in the future.-- "Peace & Change: A Journal of Peace Research" The contributions in this volume advance research in this field by carefully developing concepts and theories, and analyzing important cases in which activists prevailed over repressive forces. There is special attention here to nonviolent tactics that can be used to heighten the probability that repression will backfire. The contributors include both social scientists and activists, and the experience of activists who have faced repression provides helpful insights to the scholarly literature.-- "James Franklin, Ohio Wesleyan University"