Rules for Revolutions--Gene Sharp

[Jackpine Radical]

Develop a strategy for winning freedom and a vision of the society you want

Overcome fear by small acts of resistance

Use colours and symbols to demonstrate unity of resistance

Learn from historical examples of the successes of non-violent movements

Use non-violent "weapons"

Identify the dictatorship's pillars of support and develop a strategy for undermining each

Use oppressive or brutal acts by the regime as a recruiting tool for your movement

Isolate or remove from the movement people who use or advocate violence


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12522848

{Sharp's} central message is that the power of dictatorships comes from the willing obedience of the people they govern - and that if the people can develop techniques of withholding their consent, a regime will crumble.

For decades now, people living under authoritarian regimes have made a pilgrimage to Gene Sharp for advice. His writing has helped millions of people around the world achieve their freedom without violence. "As soon as you choose to fight with violence you're choosing to fight against your opponents best weapons and you have to be smarter than that," he insists.

"People might be a little surprised when they come here, I don't tell them what to do. They've got to learn how this non-violent struggle works so they can do it for themselves."