Civil Resistance: The Power of the People

Carpet bombs, nuclear weapons, and gas chambers were all developed in the 20th century with the intent to kill as many people as possible. But something else was also developed at the same period – non-violent resistance. And research shows it can be much more effective in resolving conflict in the long run.

In this episode of America Abroad, we explore the techniques and strategic planning behind successful non-violent campaigns, from India’s fight for independence through the American civil rights movement to some of today’s struggles.

We hear from a woman in Zimbabwe whose organization is pressing President Robert Mugabe to expand social and economic freedoms; We visit Chennai, India, to meet a group that's found an innovative way to stand up to bribery; And we travel to the isolated village of San José de Apartadó in northwestern Colombia, where for close to two decades they have remained committed to non-violence despite recurring attacks and numerous losses.

Guests Include:

Walter Conser: History professor, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

Erica Chenoweth: Professor, University of Denver’s School International Studies

Jesús Emilio Tuberquia: Leader of the San José de Apartadó Peace Community in Colombia

Mary King: political scientist and the author of the Freedom Song: A Personal Story of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement

Rev. James Lawson: Leading tactician of non-violence within the Civil Rights Movement

Hardy Merriman: President of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict

Jenni Williams: Co-founder of Woman of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)