The Power of Nonviolence 2.0: In her 1970 essay “On Violence,” Hannah Arendt stated, “Violence can destroy power, but it is utterly incapable of creating it.” What could she possibly have meant? How could this statement be relevant to those experiencing ghastly violence in war or struggling against oppressive systems of structural violence in the US and abroad? This course introduces students to the philosophy and strategies of civil (nonviolent) resistance during conflicts and methods of transitional justice after violent conflicts end. Topics include case studies on the effectiveness of civil resistance strategies; resistance art and literature; racial/ethnic civil rights, empowerment, and justice struggles; gender, peace, and security concerns in war; climate change, conflict, and environmental justice; inclusive post-conflict peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts; and transformative justice after conflict. Evaluation based on one exam, two synthetic essays on readings and films, a formal oral presentation on a group-linked case study, participation in-class discussions and debates, and attendance.
- Teacher: Mary Meyer McAleese