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| Gandhi's Legacy of Satyagraha (Nonviolent Struggle): Western Theoretical Dimensions |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Gandhi's Legacy of Satyagraha (Nonviolent Struggle): Western Theoretical Dimensions |
| Article Credit | JIGYASA, ISSN: 0974-7648, Vol.: 15, Issue: III, Year: 2022, (Pubd in: Academia.edu) |
| Author | Aslam Khan (Department of Gandhuan and Peace Studies Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Bihar) Virendra Kumar Gandhi (Research Scholar Department of Gandhuan and Peace Studies Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Bihar) |
| Subject | This article examines the Western theoretical interpretations and institutionalization of Gandhi's Satyagraha, tracing its evolution from a moral philosophy to a pragmatic strategy for civil resistance. |
| Category | Academic Journal Article |
| Institution | Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Bihar |
| Country of Publication | India |
| Main Topics | Gandhian philosophy of nonviolence, Satyagraha as a method of conflict resolution, Western scholarship on nonviolent struggle, Principled vs. pragmatic nonviolence, Gene Sharp's theory of nonviolent action, Civil resistance movements in the 20th century, Gandhian dialectic and constructive program |
| Number of Pages | 32 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 513.2 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This article examines the Western theoretical dimensions of Gandhi's legacy of Satyagraha, or nonviolent struggle. It traces how Western scholars and activists have interpreted, systematized, and institutionalized Gandhian nonviolence, transforming it from a moral philosophy into a strategic tool for civil resistance. The authors analyze key figures such as Richard Gregg, Joan Bondurant, Arne Naess, and Gene Sharp, highlighting their contributions to the theoretical understanding of nonviolent action. The article distinguishes between principled nonviolence, rooted in ethical and religious commitments, and pragmatic nonviolence, which focuses on effectiveness and strategic advantage. It explores the Gandhian dialectic, the constructive program, and the concept of political jiu-jitsu, and discusses historical applications of nonviolent struggle in movements such as the US civil rights movement, the Palestinian Intifada, and the color revolutions. The overview also addresses the debate over the efficacy of nonviolent versus violent resistance, referencing the empirical work of Chenoweth and Stephan. Ultimately, the article argues that Western scholarship has both expanded and diverged from Gandhi's original vision, creating a rich and contested field of nonviolence studies.
Core Themes
- Satyagraha as a philosophy and practice
- Western theoretical interpretations of Gandhi
- Principled vs. pragmatic nonviolence
- Institutionalization of nonviolent struggle
- Strategic and moral dimensions of civil resistance
Keywords
About Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi lived from 1869 to 1948. Born in India, he trained as a lawyer and became a political thinker. Colonial rule repelled him. He opposed it fiercely and eventually led India’s independence movement.
Gandhi pioneered Satyagraha, the power of truth and nonviolent resistance. He put these ideals into practice during political and social upheavals. Over twenty years in South Africa shaped his thinking. That’s where he developed his tactics of nonviolent defiance. He returned to India in 1915 and launched major movements against British rule. Non-Cooperation Movement. Salt March. Quit India Movement. Each one challenged colonial domination.
In 1883 he married Kasturba Gandhi. Marriage and family life remained central to who he was. He spoke powerfully about his beliefs. His writing included Hind Swaraj, Satyagraha in South Africa, and The Story of My Experiments with Truth, his autobiography.
His vision stretched beyond political independence. Religious harmony mattered to him. Social equality. Self-reliance. Women’s rights. Ending untouchability. All of these were part of what he fought for.
Nonviolence and Satyagraha shaped movements worldwide. Civil rights activists drew from his example. Freedom struggles across the globe felt his influence. His approach changed how people thought about resistance and change.
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