What defines a protestor in today's world? The discussion dives into the effectiveness of peaceful versus violent protest, challenging popular beliefs. Political sociologist Benjamin Case argues that successful movements often involve property destruction and street fighting, questioning the notion of nonviolent resistance. He critiques well-known advocates like Erica Chenoweth and Gene Sharp, pondering their roles in activism. The conversation also contemplates the best strategies for protest in an increasingly authoritarian climate.
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Contrasting Images of Protestors
People's mental picture of protestors varies drastically from peaceful to militant. - This contrast shapes public perception of protest effectiveness and legitimacy.
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Rioting's Empowering Effect
Rioting can create powerful feelings of euphoria and empowerment for activists. - Such actions fuel radicals' will to resist beyond conventional protest methods.
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Power of Nonviolent Protest
Nonviolent protests leverage moral high ground to attract supporters and sway public opinion. - This strategy is inspired by leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
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Street Rebellion argues that strategic nonviolence theory is misguided, using global protest data and interviews with rioters to advance the conversation on resistance. The book bridges academia and activism, offering a nuanced understanding of liberation struggles. It challenges the mainstream notion that riots are counterproductive, instead highlighting their contextual utility in social movements.
Does the word protestor conjure a masked figure in black clothing smashing windows and lighting fires or a weekend liberal ineffectually following rules while sipping on a creamy latte along the state-permitted protest route?
A popular media narrative is that peaceful protest works best, but has the power of nonviolent resistance been debunked?
Julian responds to Matthew’s interview with political sociologist, Benjamin Case.
In the context of anarchist activism, Case points out that successful “nonviolent protest movements” have always featured property damage, street-fighting, and window smashing. His ethnographic research shows that rioting can also be personally transformative and empowering, as the participant experiences “contentious effervescence.”
His interview (and book, Street Rebellion) included a pointed critique of celebrated nonviolence advocate and academic, Erica Chenoweth, and their towering predecessor, Gene Sharp—who, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, practically created the field of nonviolent resistance studies. Case has some excellent points, especially about how often Chenoweth’s work is misinterpreted.
But was Gene Sharp really a tool of American imperialism? Is Erica Chenoweth a willing lapdog to status quo liberalism and capitalist power? What kinds of protest strategy might serve us best in our terrifying authoritarian moment?
Conspirituality 