ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the Gandhian techniques of waging conflict that served to limit the hostility—to inhibit the "runaway processes" within conflict dynamics, as Coleman terms them. An essential concept in the Gandhian model of self-limiting conflict was ahimsa or non-violence. The Gandhian model of conflict-waging inhibits the conflict personalization process. It reduces threat by stressing the maintenance of good personal relations with opponents while pressing the issues. The Gandhian model recognizes both the necessity and danger of polarization. Gandhian conflict simultaneously provides for confrontation and maximizes the potential for conciliation. Gandhian self-limiting conflict may provide future tactical possibilities for both liberation movements and civilian defense programs. Training people to distinguish between antagonist and issue in their conflict waging is a third Gandhian tactic that would help limit conflict. The Gandhian movement was fueled by the charismatic leadership of one man, though it produced other men of some-what lesser stature like Ghaffir Khan and Vinoba Bhave.
