6. The Proven Superiority of Nonviolent Resistance

Alex Knapp, author for Forbes, talks about a recent article by Erica Chenoweth and Maria J. Stephan regarding resistance movements. They explored various movements from 1900-2006 for the purpose of "self-determination, the removal of an incumbent leader, or the expulsion of a foreign military occupation," meaning any movement for a national cause. The study involved 323 movements, both violent and nonviolent, and their effects in terms of achieving the cause's goals and of "transitioning to peaceful democracies afterward." The study revealed that peaceful movements, or "civil resistance," was twice as likely to succeed than violent movements, and even those that didn't were four times more likely to result in a democratic government afterwards. When governments or military organizations responded to movements with violence, resistance movements that involved violence had only a 20% chance of success, whereas civil resistance movements prevailed 50% of the time. Moreover, nonviolent resistance movements are better equipped to make sure that a peaceful, democratic government will be established. Their organized nature and tactics mean that they can "build parallel structures to the government," making them better equipped to take over when the government they oppose finally crumbles. Three characteristics which are apparent in every sucessful resistance studied are most likely the reason for their success: "they enjoy mass participation, they produce regime defections, and they employ flexible tactics."
Knapp both opens and closes the article with quotes from famous peace activists, Mahatma Ghandi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., bringing the piece together very nicely. He employs all 3 of the "modes of persuasion," making the article both balanced and effective; logos, reason, is addressed in the logical associations made and conclusions drawn based on the evidence of the study. Pathos, emotion, is addressed in the quotes, which touch those readers who stand for causes similar to those of the men quoted. Ethos, credibility, is addressed with specific examples, such as the successful resistance of the Solidarity organization in Poland. His language is commendable, especially as he masterfully juggles such terms as "civil resistance," "nonviolent movement," and "transition to democracy" without sounding repetitive or unversed in the subject. The complex vocabulary is, at times, difficult to follow, which simply means the intended audience of this article is one more refined on the subject. Overall, author Alex Knapp does an amazing job of conveying his message to the reader and keeping the piece together successfully.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2014/07/24/the-proven-superiority-of-nonviolent-resistance/