The Wish of Conflict Aversion

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The shift from transformation to transaction in leadership brought about a remarkable passivity, indicating a trend of conflict aversion. Some may wish for a Rodney King theory of politics where dialogue alone can solve differences, but democracy thrives on contention. Democracy functions through holding power accountable via competitive elections and parties with challenging positions, emphasizing the importance of engaging in and embracing conflict to avoid being overpowered by opposing views.

Whether trying to influence involvement in foreign wars, fight for social justice, or win an election, effective organizing is crucial. Here’s my 2012 conversation with MARSHALL GANZ, who dropped out of Harvard in 1964 to participate in Freedom Summer, worked for years as one of the lead organizers for United Farm Workers, and helped devise the grass-roots model for Obama’s 2008 campaign. Now a lecturer in public policy at Harvard, I can say without reservation, we need to learn from him. You can find more at marshallganz.com