Power to the Peaceful: Dr. Erica Chenoweth on Nonviolent Resistance

Credit Jonathan Rashad: Wikimedia Commons

Resistance movements, rebellions, and revolutions are some of the most influential forces shaping our world today. Yet, as recent unrest in places like Egypt and Syria make painfully clear, overthrowing a powerful regime is dangerous, difficult business. Dr. Erica Chenoweth—Associate professor at the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies—specializes in the question of what makes a successful resistance movement. Her book, “Why Civil Resistance Works: the Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict”, which she co-wrote with Maria J. Stephan, argues that there is no greater and more effective tool for ousting an oppressive regime than non-violent, civil resistance. Dr. Chenoweth, who will be in town for a lecture on Monday, spoke with KRCC’s Jake Brownell from her office in Denver.