Nonviolence Studies

A Sanskrit term meaning 'non-harm' or 'non-injury,' originating in Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist traditions. It refers to the principle of causing no harm to any living being through thought, word, or action, and serves as one of the oldest philosophical foundations of nonviolence.

A concept coined by Mohandas Gandhi meaning 'truth-force' or 'soul-force.' It describes a method of nonviolent resistance rooted in the active pursuit of truth and justice, requiring practitioners to accept suffering rather than inflict it on opponents.

The organized use of nonviolent methods such as strikes, boycotts, mass demonstrations, civil disobedience, and noncooperation by civilians to challenge and transform political power, typically outside institutional or electoral channels.

A concept developed by Gene Sharp identifying the institutions and social groups whose cooperation sustains a ruler's power, including the military, police, civil service, business community, media, and religious institutions. Nonviolent movements succeed by withdrawing or undermining these pillars.

An approach that treats nonviolent action as a pragmatic, calculated strategy chosen for its effectiveness rather than as a moral or spiritual commitment. It emphasizes tactical planning, movement organization, and exploiting the political costs that repression imposes on opponents.

An approach grounded in moral, ethical, or spiritual convictions that nonviolence is inherently right regardless of its strategic outcomes. Practitioners commit to nonviolence as a way of life, not merely as a tactic for specific campaigns.

A communication framework developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg that emphasizes empathic listening, honest expression of feelings and needs, and making requests rather than demands. It aims to resolve conflicts by fostering mutual understanding rather than coercion.

An approach to justice that focuses on repairing the harm caused by wrongdoing through inclusive processes that bring together victims, offenders, and community members, rather than relying solely on punishment. It emphasizes accountability, healing, and reintegration.

A term coined by Johan Galtung describing harm embedded in social structures and institutions that prevents people from meeting their basic needs, even in the absence of direct physical violence. Poverty, racism, and systemic inequality are forms of structural violence.

An approach developed by John Paul Lederach that goes beyond conflict resolution by seeking to transform the underlying relationships, structures, and cultural patterns that give rise to conflict. It aims for long-term systemic change rather than merely ending immediate hostilities.