Abstract

MARTINEZ-BERNAL, Daniel Ricardo. Resistance, Civil Resistance: the Importance of Nonviolence Theory. Pap.polit. [online]. 2016, vol.21, n.2, pp.343-371. ISSN 0122-4409.  https://doi.org/10.11144/Javeriana.papo21-2.rrci.

There are many articles, writings and publications related to resistance (in general) and civil resistance, in particular; however, only few of them mention nonviolence as one of its pillars. Such is their lack of recognition that nonviolence can be written indistinctively. The objective of this article is, thus, to challenge these ideas, by illustrating how nonviolence is the root of both resistance and civil resistance. Thanks to Gandhian struggles and studies, these concepts acquired greater importance, highlighting its differentiation from the military or warlike alternatives. Nonviolence’s theoretical framework reveals the importance of the ‘non-armed’ as well as the relevance of the study of means-methods and goals-strategies. Taking these two aspects as a basis broadens the analytical perspective and, mainly, allows for the introduction of values such as ‘peace’ amidst the constant predominance of violence. Thinking in terms of nonviolence, and its different meanings, facilitates a more precise and systematized comprehension and conceptualization of social struggles and civil resistance.

Keywords : civil resistance; social struggles; nonviolence; means-methods and goals-strategies; Gandhi; nonviolence civil resistance.

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