About Book

This book investigates the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance as a strategic tool in political and social conflicts, providing both theoretical insights and empirical evidence from historical case studies. Chenoweth and Stephan argue that civil resistance campaigns are often more successful than violent uprisings due to higher levels of participation, strategic discipline, and the ability to undermine opponents’ legitimacy. The book examines campaigns such as the Iranian Revolution, the First Palestinian Intifada, and the Philippine People Power movement, while also analyzing cases where civil resistance failed, including the 1988 Burmese uprising. Its relevance today is considerable, as global movements continue to confront authoritarian regimes and extremist threats, demonstrating that nonviolent strategies can effectively achieve political objectives, reduce societal harm, and serve as alternatives to violent insurgencies. This volume offers practical and theoretical insights for policymakers, activists, and scholars aiming to understand the dynamics of political mobilization and resistance in contemporary contexts.The book’s strengths include a rigorous combination of theory and empirical research, clear analysis of participation dynamics, and well-chosen case studies that span multiple regions. Its interdisciplinary approach connects political science, conflict studies, and terrorism studies, making it highly relevant to both scholars and practitioners. Limitations include a primary focus on historical case studies, with less coverage of emerging digital forms of civil resistance or cyber-activism. Nevertheless, it provides a robust framework for understanding the strategic logic of nonviolent campaigns in both domestic and international contexts.A highly valuable and influential contribution to the study of nonviolent conflict and civil resistance, offering evidence-based insights that challenge traditional assumptions about violence and insurgency. Essential for repositories focused on conflict, terrorism alternatives, peace studies, and political science.