ABSTRACT

This text is an innovative and accessible work that introduces readers to the main arguments for and against the use of violence in politics. Indeed, the problem of political violence has acquired new salience in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Written by an experienced teacher and scholar of the subject, the book has been specially designed to engage readers by encouraging them to assume the role of impartial jurors in a simulated trial against nonviolence. This exciting participatory format allows readers to critical explore the main assumptions and myths that underpin various realist and idealist approaches to nonviolence. Key features of this text include: Coverage of the main idealist theories, traditions, methods and movements that favor non-violent political action Coverage of the main realist arguments against nonviolent strategies Examples of major nonviolent social and political movements from the early twentieth century to today

chapter 1|15 pages

Introduction

Nonviolence on Trial

part 1|41 pages

The Expert Witnesses for the Prosecution

chapter 2|14 pages

Niccolo Machiavelli

Renaissance War Realism

chapter 3|13 pages

Max Weber

Modern Realism

chapter 4|11 pages

Reinhold Niebuhr

Christian Realism

part 2|46 pages

The Expert Witnesses for the Defense

chapter 5|16 pages

Mahatma Gandhi

Militant Idealism

chapter 6|14 pages

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Christian Idealism

chapter 7|14 pages

The Mothers of The Plaza De Mayo

Anarchist Idealism

part 3|26 pages

Considering Further Evidence

chapter 8|14 pages

Modern Nonviolence Movements

chapter 9|10 pages

Scientific Evidence on Human Violence

Nature or Nurture?