Dr. Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics and International Studies at University of San Francisco; Co-Chair, ICNC Academic Advisors Committee
Thursday, October 3, 2013 / 12:00pm – 1:00pm EST
The power of strategic nonviolent action in successful pro-democracy insurrections against autocratic regimes has been well-documented. Less well known has been the role of strategic nonviolent action in defending democracies against attempted coup d’états. This webinar examines the history and theory of civil resistance against efforts by the military or other undemocratic elements to overthrow democratic governments and replace them by autocratic regimes.
Starting with a review of Gene Sharp and Bruce Jenkins’ monograph The Anti-Coup, the presentation then looks at a series of case studies from Latin America and elsewhere during the past century, particularly in recent decades. The presentation concludes by examining cases where nonviolent civil insurrections have prompted the military to force out the president and the ensuing struggle to insure the interim military leaders allow for a genuine transition to democracy.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES