Protests, Political Violence and Its Alternatives with Erica Chenoweth

This autobiography, written in weekly installments from 1925 to 1929, details Gandhi's life from his childhood to 1921. It includes his experiences with child marriage, his studies in London, his time in South Africa, and his involvement in the Indian independence movement. The book emphasizes Gandhi's commitment to truth and nonviolent resistance, and it provides insights into his personal and public life, including his experiments in dietetics, social work, and political activism[1][3][5].

In this book, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt examine the breakdown of democracies, arguing that modern democracies do not die in a sudden coup but rather through the slow erosion of critical institutions and political norms. Drawing on decades of research and examples from 1930s Europe to contemporary cases in Hungary, Turkey, Venezuela, and the American South during Jim Crow, the authors highlight the importance of mutual toleration and forbearance in maintaining democratic stability. They identify key indicators of authoritarian behavior, such as the rejection of democratic rules, denial of opponents' legitimacy, tolerance of violence, and curtailment of civil liberties. The book also discusses the role of political parties in defending democracy and proposes solutions to counteract democratic backsliding, including elite-level cooperation, addressing social inequalities, and restoring democratic norms[2][4][5].

The Race Beat is a meticulously researched book that explores the pivotal role of journalists in the Civil Rights Movement. Gene Roberts and Hank Klibanoff detail how a dedicated group of reporters, both black and white, exposed the nation's racial injustices, contributing to the movement's momentum. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 2007.

This book presents a comprehensive analysis of nonviolent resistance, demonstrating its strategic advantages over violent insurgency. Through statistical analysis and case studies, Chenoweth and Stephan show that nonviolent campaigns are more successful in achieving regime change and territorial independence. They highlight factors such as higher participation, tactical innovation, and shifts in loyalty among regime supporters as key to their success.