Nonviolence Studies Glossary

The principle of non-harm or non-injury to all living beings, originating in Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist traditions and serving as a foundational concept in nonviolence philosophy.

The phenomenon in which repressive actions against nonviolent protesters generate public outrage and sympathy, ultimately strengthening the movement and weakening the oppressor's legitimacy.

A form of noncooperation in which people refuse to buy goods, use services, or engage in economic relationships to pressure a target to change its behavior or policies.

The deliberate, open, and nonviolent refusal to obey laws or governmental demands considered unjust, with acceptance of legal consequences, as a form of political protest.

The organized application of nonviolent methods by civilians to challenge power holders and achieve political objectives outside normal institutional channels.

An approach to conflict that seeks to change the underlying relationships, structures, and cultural patterns generating conflict, aiming for long-term systemic change rather than merely ending immediate hostilities.

Gandhi's strategy of building alternative institutions and self-sufficient communities alongside resistance, creating the social foundations of the desired post-liberation society.

Activities that seek to achieve political or social goals directly, rather than through representatives or institutional channels, including sit-ins, blockades, and occupations.

American political scientist who systematized the study of nonviolent action, cataloguing 198 methods and developing the theory of power based on consent and pillars of support.

The mere absence of direct violence or war, without addressing underlying social injustices, structural violence, or the conditions that give rise to conflict.

The deliberate withdrawal of cooperation, obedience, or participation from institutions, systems, or authorities, including strikes, boycotts, and tax refusal.

A broad category of methods for waging conflict or pursuing political objectives without the use or threat of physical violence against persons.

A communication framework developed by Marshall Rosenberg emphasizing empathic listening, honest expression of feelings and needs, and collaborative conflict resolution.

The most direct category of nonviolent action, involving physical or psychological disruption of established patterns, including sit-ins, blockades, fasts, and the creation of parallel institutions.

The belief that violence and war are inherently wrong and that conflicts should be resolved through peaceful means. Ranges from absolute pacifism to conditional pacifism.

Alternative governance structures, economic systems, or social organizations created by nonviolent movements to replace or circumvent the existing power structure.

The key institutions and social groups (military, police, civil service, business, religious organizations) whose cooperation and obedience sustain a ruler's power.

The presence of social justice, equity, and institutional conditions that address structural violence and enable human flourishing, going beyond the mere absence of direct violence.

An approach grounded in moral, ethical, or spiritual convictions that nonviolence is inherently right, regardless of its strategic outcomes, practiced as a way of life.

A justice approach focused on repairing harm through inclusive dialogue among victims, offenders, and community members, emphasizing accountability and healing over punishment.

Gandhi's concept of 'truth-force' or 'soul-force,' a method of nonviolent resistance based on the active pursuit of truth, acceptance of suffering, and refusal to cooperate with injustice.

The use of nonviolent methods as a calculated, pragmatic strategy chosen for its effectiveness in achieving political goals, rather than as a moral commitment.

Harm caused by social structures and institutions that prevent people from meeting basic needs, including poverty, racism, and systemic inequality, even without direct physical violence.

The set of judicial and non-judicial measures implemented by societies transitioning from conflict or authoritarian rule, including trials, truth commissions, reparations, and institutional reform.

An official body established to investigate and document past human rights abuses, hear testimony from victims and perpetrators, and promote national healing, most famously established in post-apartheid South Africa.