Minds of the Movement
An ICNC blog on the people and power of civil resistance
In Europe's not-so-distant history...
and presently in Ukraine, ordinary people are proactively defending their freedom, human dignity, and security beyond the military ecosystem.
This inaugural issue of Across Fault Lines shows that there exists a “narrow, dangerous, uncertain but very real path towards a better world”, in the words of famed graphic novelist Xavier Dorison. That path is civil resistance, widespread in Ukraine since 2022, yet poorly documented and largely misunderstood beyond its borders.
The contributors of this volume include Ukraine's defenders—armed and unarmed—and European allies from diverse sectors of society. Their words are not aspirational. Their calls are not for martyrdom but instead wider examination. They document and analyze a vast area of human endeavor with pragmatism, not ideology. They invite readers to revisit theory of victory through the lens of Ukraine's civic shield.
Civil resistance—sometimes referred to as unarmed resistance or civilian-based defense—represents a constructive, if not somewhat peculiar pillar of national defense. Readers will learn how it shares the same goals as institutional efforts, bringing cost effectiveness and a credible path toward more security autonomy and sustainability in defense. However, it is not a panacea. In the words of British Captain B.H. Liddell Hart (1895-1970), "Nonviolent resistance is not ideal, but we haven't found a better substitute."
Why examine this topic now? The basis of military science and doctrine has been "custom and prejudice, confirmed by ignorance", Maurice de Saxe, 18th century French general and military theorist, famously said. Neglecting to rethink defense strategy from the angle presented in this volume leaves not only a blind spot but power on the table. More importantly, it leaves populations underprepared for crisis.
The Center for Nonviolent Conflict Research is pleased to partner with ActionAid Denmark, the Organization for Nonviolent Movements, Chance4Peace Foundation, and Modern Security Consulting Group MOSECON GmbH to bring you this timely issue. I envision ONM as a proactive contributor bringing constructive thinking to defense. We want a seat at the table.
It is possible to nourish collective strength against even the most brutal aggressors. Adherence to this belief across Europe would inconvenience the Kremlin—predator of united, democratic societies—and thus it should not be dismissed as naïve.
Despite today's uncertainties, freedom and peace will return.
Check back soon for many more articles through March 2026...
