Whatever promises offered by dictators in any negotiated settlement, no one should ever forget that the dictators may promise anything to secure submission from their democratic opponents, and then brazenly violate those same agreements. — Gene Sharp Copy Share Image
There’s one thing that’s been 'learned' maybe from Tunisia and Egypt that I think is a mistake. And that is that the existing ruler… — Gene Sharp Copy Share Image
Nonviolent action involves opposing the opponent's power, including his police and military capacity, not with the weapons chosen by him but by quite different… — Gene Sharp Copy Share Image
“In some cases, however, limited violence against the dictatorship may be inevitable. Frustration and hatred of the regime may explode into violence. Or, certain… — Gene Sharp Copy Share Image
“Liberation from dictatorships ultimately depends on the people's ability to liberate themselves.” — Gene Sharp Copy Share Image
“Engage in friendly creative communication with the functionaries and troops serving the putschists while continuing resistance. Explain to them the reasons for the defense… — Gene Sharp Copy Share Image
“The degree of liberty or tyranny in any government is in large degree a reflection of the relative determination of the subjects to be… — Gene Sharp Copy Share Image
Violence by the defenders will be used by the putschists to justify overwhelming repression which they want to use anyhow. It will be used… — Gene Sharp Copy Share Image
Nonviolent struggle is the most powerful means available to those struggling for freedom. — Gene Sharp Copy Share Image
The degree of liberty or tyranny in any government is, it follows, in large degree a reflection of the relative determination of the subjects… — Gene Sharp Copy Share Image
“As Charles Stewart Parnell called out during the Irish rent strike campaign in 1879 and 1880: It is no use relying on the Government… — Gene Sharp Copy Share Image
Dictatorships are never as strong as they think they are, and people are never as weak as they think they are. — Gene Sharp Copy Share Image
By placing confidence in violent means, one has chosen the very type of struggle with which the oppressors nearly always have superiority. — Gene Sharp Copy Share Image