Breaking Laws: Violence and Civil Disobedience in Protest

Breaking Laws: Violence and Civil Disobedience in Protest explores the relationship between social movements and violence, examining the short-lived radical left wing post-68 revolutionary violence and the present diffusion of civil disobedience actions. It questions how and why violence occurs or does not and what different meanings it can take.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 274 pages
\n Publication date: 30 April 2019
\n Publisher: Amsterdam University Press
\n

Breaking Laws: Violence and Civil Disobedience in Protest delves into the intricate interplay between social movements and violence, offering two contrasting perspectives. Through the lens of the short-lived radical left wing post-68 revolutionary violence, the book explores the complexities of how and why violence manifests itself within these movements. Additionally, it examines the growing trend of civil disobedience actions, which often straddle the line between non-violence and violence. This thought-provoking book sheds light on the factors that contribute to the occurrence or non-occurrence of violence and the diverse meanings it can hold.

On the one hand, the short-lived extreme left revolutionary groups that emerged from the events of May 68, including notable organizations such as the German Red Army Faction, the Italian Red Brigades, and the Japanese Red Army, are undeniably characterized by their use of violence. These groups were driven by their opposition to the Vietnam War and other political injustices, resorting to armed resistance and acts of sabotage to achieve their goals.

However, the realm of contemporary civil disobedience presents a more nuanced and complex picture. These actions, which involve breaking laws with the intention of bringing about legal change, are often associated with non-violence and self-restraint. In theory, these efforts align with the principles of peaceful protest and the pursuit of political legitimacy. However, the practical application of non-violence and political legitimacy is far from straightforward, as it is heavily influenced by the interpretations and framing of these concepts by political actors.

The line between non-violence and violence in civil disobedience becomes particularly blurred when political actors manipulate or redefine these concepts to suit their own agendas. For instance, some governments may use violent tactics to suppress peaceful protests, while others may employ legal measures to criminalize civil disobedience. This dynamic creates a complex web of power and resistance, where the boundaries between peaceful activism and violent extremism are blurred.

Furthermore, the context in which civil disobedience occurs plays a significant role in determining its outcomes. The historical and cultural backdrop of a particular society can shape the attitudes and responses of both the government and the protesters. For example, in countries with a history of authoritarianism or political repression, civil disobedience may be met with fierce repression, leading to violent clashes between the authorities and the demonstrators. On the other hand, in more democratic societies, civil disobedience may be more tolerated and even celebrated as a means of promoting social change.

In conclusion, Breaking Laws: Violence and Civil Disobedience in Protest offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex relationship between social movements and violence. Through its examination of the short-lived radical left wing post-68 revolutionary violence and the growing trend of civil disobedience, the book sheds light on the factors that contribute to the occurrence or non-occurrence of violence and the diverse meanings it can hold. It highlights the need for nuanced and critical analysis of these issues, as well as the importance of promoting peaceful and democratic means of achieving social change.

\n Weight: 556g\n
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9789089649348\n
Edition number: 0\n