Active non-violence

Active non-violence methods

A list of 198 methods of active non-violence was drawn up in 1973 by Alfred Einstein Institute committee member Gene Sharp in his book The Politics of Non-violent action.

The list below includes 40 action types, grouped into 8 categories, from the most cooperative to the most obstructive, ending with the most destructive against oneself.

These methods are used to inform, raise awareness, make oneself heard, defend, denounce, resist and unblock in order to win a case.

They are used in cases of disregard, injustice, discrimination, inadequacy, and even in situations of violence.

Non-violent means of expression

  • dialogue, participation in consultations, organization of consultations

  • interactions based on non-violent communication techniques

  • public letters, articles, writings in the press and on the web, etc.

  • pamphlets, advertisements, banners, badges, stickers, etc.

  • conferences, debates, speeches, interviews, etc.

  • courses, training

  • lobbying, petitions, voting or refusing to vote

  • theater, cinema, songs, music, literature, poetry, photos…

Non-violent workarounds

  • alternative proposals

  • the creation of alternative structures, alternative transport, etc.

  • the creation of alternative forums, participation in these forums, their financing, the financing of transport and accommodation for participants

  • humor, mock awards.

Non-violent non-violent

  • steps, human walls, human chains

  • protests and demonstrations

  • strikes

  • boycotts

  • refusal to pay

  • non-violent mutiny

  • sex strikes
    (collective refusal of wives to prevent war)
    (Cf. Lysistrata, the play by Aristophanes (-412 CE).

Non-violent commercial means

  • product and brand boycotts

  • divestments

  • dumping.

Non-violent political means

  • conscientious objection, refusal of military service, desertion, choice of civilian service if available.

  • passport surrender in the case of a second nationality

  • emigration (voting with the feet)

  • diplomatic blockades, cancellations of diplomatic meetings

  • parallel governments

  • revealing the names of agents and spies.

Non-violent financial means

  • financing non-violent actions

  • funding organizations that implement them

  • financing opposition parties or organizations.

Non-violent but obstructive means of intervention

  • slowdowns

  • occupation of premises and land, sit-ins

  • passage obstructions

  • mass invasions

  • defiance of assembly bans

  • overload of administrative or IT systems

  • civil disobedience

  • active resistance.

Non-violent means against others
but violent means against oneself

  • hunger strikes

  • public immolations.

Type: Dictionary