Sharp's Dictionary of Power and Struggle

From the 494 B.C. plebeians' march out of Rome to gain improved status, to Gandhi's nonviolent campaigns in India, to the liberation of Poland and the Baltic nations, and the revolutions in North Africa, nonviolent struggles have played pivotal roles in world events for centuries. Sharp's Dictionary of Power and Struggle is a groundbreaking reference work on this topic by the godfather of nonviolent resistance. In nearly 1,000 entries, the Dictionary defines those ideologies, political systems, strategies, methods, and concepts that form the core of nonviolent action as it has occurred throughout history and across the globe, providing much-needed clarification of language that is often mired in confusion. Entries discuss everything from militarization to censorship, guerrilla theater, pacifism, secret agents, and protest songs. In addition, the dictionary features a foreword by Sir Adam Roberts, President of the British Academy; an introduction by Gene Sharp; an essay on power and realism; case studies of conflicts in Serbia and Tunisia; and a guide for further reading. Sharp's Dictionary of Power and Struggle is an invaluable resource for activists, educators and anyone else curious about nonviolent alternatives to both passivity and violent conflict.

Gene Sharp is perhaps the most influential proponent of nonviolent action alive.--The Progressive

Sharp has had broad influence on international events over the past two decades, helping to advance a global democratic awakening.--The Wall Street Journal

[Sharp's] work has served as the template for taking on authoritarian regimes from Burma to Belgrade.--The Christian Science Monitor


Mr. Sharp has had broad influence on international events over the past two decades, helping to advance a global democratic awakening. -- Wall Street Journal

Gene Sharp is perhaps the most influential proponent of nonviolent action alive. His work has served as a how-to manual for activists in a swath of countries across Eastern Europe and Asia. -- The Progressive

Long considered the foremost authority in his field, Sharp has inspired generations of progressive peace, labor, feminist, environmental, and social justice activists in the United States and around the world. -- Stephen Zunes, Huffington Post

Gene Sharp, a retired Harvard researcher, is considered the godfather of nonviolent resistance. Since the early 1970s, his work has served as the template for taking on authoritarian regimes from Burma to Belgrade. -- The Christian Science Monitor

This unique and highly specialized dictionary by Sharp covers almost any term or concept that is related to civil resistance, particularly nonviolent resistance...This volume succeeds in establishing definitions for the changing language of civil resistance and will contribute to the creation of a comprehensive vocabulary for discussions of this topic.--CHOICE