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| Rediscovering Gandhi and Principled Nonviolence: An Imperative for the 21st Century |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Rediscovering Gandhi and Principled Nonviolence: An Imperative for the 21st Century |
| Article Credit | Thammasat Review, ISSN: 0859-5747 / 2630-0303, Vol.: 18, Issue: 1, Year: 2015, (Pubd in: Academia.edu) |
| Author | Kevin Clements (University of Otago, Faculty Member) |
| Subject | This article argues that principled nonviolence, as exemplified by Gandhi, is essential for achieving lasting social and political transformation, contrasting it with strategic or pragmatic nonviolence which focuses on short-term regime change. |
| Category | Academic Article |
| Institution | University of Otago |
| Country of Publication | Thailand |
| Main Topics | Principled nonviolence, Strategic nonviolence, Gandhian philosophy, Civil resistance, Social movements, Peace and conflict studies, State power, Nonviolent revolution |
| Number of Pages | 17 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 162.2 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This article, authored by Kevin P Clements, argues that while strategic nonviolence has proven effective in overthrowing repressive regimes, it is insufficient for achieving lasting social, economic, and political transformation. Clements contends that only principled nonviolence, rooted in ethical commitments and a way of life, can provide the moral compass necessary for building sustainable peace and justice. He contrasts principled nonviolence, exemplified by Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., with pragmatic or strategic nonviolence, which focuses on tactical effectiveness and often leads to co-optation by state power. The article critiques the work of Gene Sharp and the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict for promoting nonviolence as a mere tool for regime change, without addressing deeper structural violence. Clements emphasizes that principled nonviolence, with its concepts of Ahimsa, Satyagraha, Swaraj, and Sarvodaya, offers a radical alternative that challenges the state-centric logic of modern politics. He concludes that without a principled foundation, nonviolent movements risk perpetuating cycles of oppression and failing to achieve long-term peace.
Core Themes
- Principled vs. pragmatic nonviolence
- Gandhian philosophy and practice
- Limitations of strategic nonviolence
- State power and social transformation
- Ethical means-ends relationship
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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