Since the end of the two world wars, violence as such is strongly disrespected. Both, people and governments search for alternative policy methods that would not include any violence. Moreover, the primacy of human rights have become unquestionable. As an alternative, non-violent methods have been utilized since the end of the Second World War.
One shall mention that some of the political scientists believe that violent methods or political campaigns are more effective. However, the statistics contradicts such a belief. For instance, according to political scientist Chenoweth and the survey she conducted, that in 60 % of the cases, political campaigns with violent methods used turn up to be a failure. In contrast, only 30% of non-violent campaigns evidence the failure. The data presents the facts of for 2006. In contrast, in 1996, violent campaigns proved to be more successful that non-violent. It was the consequence of the decade of violent campaigns in 1970s and 1980s when violence was widespread and rather successful. The statistics evidence the fact that in the 21st-century non-violence is more widespread and both, proven and perceived to be the more successful instrument for the fight (Fisher).
These days, a lot of people refer to the non-violent methods practiced by Indian politician Mahatma Gandhi in the 20th century. His central idea was that people should not demonstrate their aggression. The more effective way for reaching goals was using non-violent methods and addressing the government in a comprehensive way. Such method of addressing issues became rather popular and gained the support among the activists these days, too as one of the most effective tools for political change.
Another idea elaborated on the concept of no-violence was elaborated by the New York bestseller Mark Kurlansky in his book “Nonviolence: the History of a Dangerous Idea” where he conveys the message that nonviolence serves as a technique for overcoming social injustice (Kurlansky). Moreover, those who are not afraid to speak the truth to the power, would prefer to address non-violent methods rather than appeal to violence. What’s even more, the author provides an overview of the conflicts in different areas of the world set in different timing. He compares the conflicts related to ancient Hindu and conflicts raging in the Middle East and yet concludes that non-violent methods are more effective than violent.
The power of nonviolence has become a subject of interest lately. In some of the most vulnerable conflicting areas, these methods are addressed to the public that would likely commit violent acts in their territories. It is also notable in the book market that places where violent acts are likely to arise; more books on the effectiveness of non-violence are addressed.
The modern use of non-violence is also addressed in the cinematography. For instance, one of the brightest movies related to the issue “The force more powerful” proved to be successful. It is more like to perceive the issue as it is while watching a movie that present particular cases of how non-violent cases proved to be working (Aforcemorepowerful.org). For instance, in the movie one may note that the case of Danish resistance to Nazi Germany policies was successful, and Danish Jews were saved by locals in large parts.
In American history, the fight for civil rights movement, headed by Martin Luther King proved to be successful, too. In the document “The Power of Nonviolence,” he listed some of the ideas and his vision in regards to the issue at that time. In particular, he stated “This was always a cry that we had to set before people that our aim is not to defeat the white community, not to humiliate the white community, but to win the friendship of all of the persons who had perpetrated this system in the past. The end of violence or the aftermath of violence is bitterness.” (Luther King) So, being aware of the possible arise of the violent protest, Martin Luther King remained a strong proponent of nonviolence and called on his supporters to follow the same path.
In the Central and Eastern Europe, non-violent protests were successful in fighting the communist past (Tenembaum). The “Solidarity” movement in Poland was the one to sit in the round table and discuss the issues with the communist authorities at the round table. In Czech Republic, the Velvet Revolution also proved to be followed by the values of non-violence. When the reunification of Germany took place, the deconstruction of the Berlin wall was also done in a nonviolent way. Thus, the practice proved to be an effective method of making communist and non-communist authorities close together.
Even though non-violent methods may be criticized by some as it might take longer to address the certain issue, yet preserves a human life and stands for the respect of human rights in general. Historically, plenty of the examples not only in the 20th century proved the effectiveness of non-violence methods to be implemented in practice. Thus, the tradition of following non-violent methods shall be preserved these days, too.
