A Force More Powerful: a Century of Nonviolent Conflict

Book Review Analysis

Part I.

A "Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict" by Peter Ackerman and Jack Duvall is a book that highlights revolutionary events and notable individuals in history. The book concentrates on strikes, boycotts, demonstrations, sit-ins, and civil organizations throughout a century. The principal argument of the book is that "nonviolent sanctions, if used effectively, can end oppression and liberate nations and peoples, and they can do so with less risk and more certainty than resorting to violent revolt on terror" ( Ackerman and Duvall 8). According to the author "strategic nonviolent action rather than violence was the decisive mode of engagement" (Ackerman and Duvall 8). The choice for nonviolent resistance is not made for moral reason; instead the action is an effective strategic choice. This book is crucial to read because it shows how people can achieve freedom and justice without using violence . Although violence can instill fear for a time or destroy lives and property, it cannot force people to give its users their consent to maintain their position.
Part II.
The authors use several different sources to feature this book. They interviewed experts in their field who provided essential information attained from research. The authors present a mountain of evidence of compelling individuals and stories in a narrative manner. The methods of research employed by the authors proved effective for the reading comprehension. A Force More Powerful is a challenging read due to its focus on historical data. Nonetheless, graphics and a timeline would have made the stories easier to follow. Despite the long narrative and extended analysis, this book is essentially an advocate of the ultimate strength of people power. Its repetitive claim on peaceful political techniques persuades the reader to refrain from using avoidable armed struggle.
Part III.
The authors support their thesis by providing case studies of different nonviolent movements. The results were massive: "tyrants were toppled, governments were overthrown, occupying armies were impeded, political systems that withheld human rights were shattered"(Ackerman and Duvall 8). These outcomes proved the thesis of the book. It shows that mass civil disobedience can defy military occupation. It also suggests that perhaps most people will become involved in movements for change through such actions. The two authors, claim "the work of nonviolent movement in the 20th century led to independence for India, equal rights for African Americans, democracy in Poland, and the removal of dictators in the Philippines, Chile and other countries. In each of those conflicts, a relationship existed between the means of struggle and the political outcome. But never in the postwar period, did a military insurrection or violent coup extend freedom to the people in whose name power was taken." By dissolving the people's consent to authoritarian rule, nonviolent resisters throughout the 20th Century not only neutralized repression. They also established democratic rule in country after country. On the other hand, violent rebellions delayed democratic developments. Part IV. I was captivated by the motivating stories chosen by the authors. I felt their triumphs and failures throughout the exposition. Any person interested in the achievements of historical figures and movements will find this book fascinating. Students can benefit from this book by learning more about other countries history and becoming more knowledgeable of political movements. It will certainly appeal to those who want to learn more about the power of civil protest and disobedience. After reading the book, I am convinced that peaceful methods are more effective than violent resistance.

Ramirez 4
Works Cited
Ackerman, Peter, and Jack Duvall. A Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent conflict . New York: Palgrave, 2000.