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What Next for U.S. Foreign Policy? - Letters - Letter to the Editor
Reason, Oct, 2003 by Gene Sharp
The impressive accuracy of the interview with me by Jesse Walker ("What Next for U.S. Foreign Policy?" June) was unfortunately counterbalanced by the rifle placed above it: "The Pacifist."
That term is not accurate, and it may confuse readers. My views do not fall into any of the types of "pacifism." Historically, most nonviolent struggles have been waged by people who were never pacifists. Many groups have chosen nonviolent struggle not on ethical grounds, but because they felt it would be most effective.
That means that future acute conflicts, including against extreme dictatorships, can be waged by people who are not pacifists, through skilled application of strategic nonviolent struggle. That fact opens new possibilities.
Also, my earlier book was mistitled. It is The Politics of Nonviolent Action, not The Politics of Nonviolence. My new book is titled Waging Nonviolent Struggle.
Gene Sharp
Albert Einstein Institution
Boston, MA
COPYRIGHT 2003 Reason Foundation
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group
