Algeria: When Elections Hurt Democracy

Author(s): Frederic Volpi

In: Journal of Democracy, Vol 31, No 2, 2020, pp. 152-165

Volpi explores the advantages and disadvantages of leaderless mass movements such as the Hirak. Their ability to challenge the 'pseudodemocratic' mechanisms used by authoritarian elites is a strong point, but a key weakness is inability to create alternative institutional approaches.  He also argues that the December 2019 election ensured the ruling elite remained in power, but undermined their legitimacy.

Una Forza Che Dà Vita. Ricominciare Con Gandhi In Un’Età Di Terrorismi

Author(s): Fulvio C. Manara

Edizione Unicopli, Milano, 2006, pp. 360

A selection of Gandhi’s writings that illustrate his thought and action, his relationship with the West and his reflection on the West-East relationship. The author presents also research findings on educational programs based on Gandhian principles, Gandhi’s thought on economic issues, nonviolence, nationalism, intercultural dialogue, terrorism and war, as well as experiments in Italy based on the Gandhian philosophy.

For a Different Hebron

Author(s): Futura D'Aprile

In: New Internationalist,, 2020, pp. 60-61

This article discusses the work of Youth Against Settlements, which opposes Israeli settlements in this Palestinian city in the West Bank, and describes the range of nonviolent tactics used by them, such as documenting human rights abuses, legal action and direct action. D'Aprile also meets with other civil society organizations, which are involved in community work, including the Christian Peacemaker Team organizer who supports Palestinian-led grass roots resistance to the occupation.

The impact of women’s movements’ activism experiences on gender transformation policies in democratic South Africa

Author(s): Gabi Mkhize, and Nwabisa Mgcotyelwa-Ntoni

In: Agenda, Vol 33, No 2, 2019, pp. 9-21

The authors argue that the activism of women’s movements has helped achieve South African government policies designed to promote women’s equality (for example in employment) and women’s empowerment. They draw on a 2017 qualitative study of leading women in the government to illustrate this link. They recognize, however, that there are still social and psychological barriers within government impeding women with activist experience from achieving radical outcomes, and that ‘gendered discourse still disadvantages women across racial identities, gender orientations and (dis)abilities’.

The rapist is you!’: why a Chilean protest chant is being sung around the world

Author(s): Gaby Hinsliff

In: The Guardian, 2020

Devised by a little-known South American feminist collective, the song ‘Un Violador en Tu Camino’ (‘A rapist in your path’) has been performed by women from Washington to Istanbul. This article sheds light on the reason why the song has become the hymn of feminist movements against sexual harassment.

Available online at:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/feb/03/the-rapist-is-you-chilean-protest-song-chanted-around-the-world-un-iolador-en-tu-camino

Evaluating the Legacy of Nonviolence in South Africa

Author(s): Gail Presbey

In: Peace and Change, Vol 31, No 2, 2006, pp. 141-174

Evaluates claims that ‘nonviolence, if adhered to more resolutely, would have ended apartheid sooner’, reminding readers of the high level of support for the ANC’s armed wing. Suggests that despite some over-simplifications, the claims for nonviolence, though speculative, are plausible.

Rebuilding communal life

Author(s): Galdys Tzul-Tzul

In: NACLA Report on the Americas, Vol 50, No 4, 2018, pp. 404-407

It examines the communal rebuilding in Guatemala after the war (1970-1996) with a focus on the struggle of Ixil women to recover the remains of those killed during the war. Their activity is also centred on the resistance to the expropriation of land, weaving and textile expropriation, and the genetic modification of crops. It includes the testimonies of those who were victims of rape during the war period.

The Czechoslovak Reform Movement

Author(s): Galia Golan

Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1971, pp. 349

Starts with brief summary of period 1956-1962 and then analyses in detail developments both within the Party and in other social spheres up to 1968, including the role of dissent and public protest.  

Sparks from the Spanish Crucible: Resisting evictions Spanish style

Author(s): Garcia Lamarca, Melissa

In: New Internationalist, No April, 2013

On the Platform for Mortgage Affected People (PAH) set up in February2009 to campaign about the hundreds of thousands of foreclosures and evictions of people unable to keep up mortgages on their homes, and often faced with a huge debt to the banks even after eviction. The group organized mass resistance to evictions, occupied foreclosed flats and houses to provide shelter for those made homeless, and to lobby Parliament to end evictions, promote affordable rents and changes to the mortgage law.

Available online at:

https://newint.org/features/2013/04/01/sparks-from-the-spanish-crucible/

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