Research by criminologist Willemijn Born of VU Amsterdam shows that non-violent resistance can bring about political and democratic change – even under an authoritarian regime.
Today, non-violent resistance is increasingly used to put pressure on governments, for example through protests or boycotts. Think of the recent pro-democracy protests in Georgia or the month-long anti-corruption demonstrations in Serbia. “People are unimaginably resilient. Resistance occurs even in impossible situations,” says Born. For instance, in countries where people have been oppressed for years. “But you don’t overthrow a dictator alone. Strong social ties between citizens are crucial for building a resistance movement. If people don’t even dare to talk about politics, they won’t take to the streets together either.”
Comparing three post-Soviet countries
Born compared three countries in the post-Soviet region: Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus. While Turkmenistan has never had an organised resistance movement, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan have experienced several revolutions. In Kyrgyzstan, presidents have stepped down three times following these uprisings.
Studying countries where citizens live under oppression, such as in this region, can teach us a great deal about how and why people still choose to take to the streets in such dangerous circumstances to demand their rights.
To uncover the differences, Born conducted 52 in-depth interviews with scientists, journalists, policymakers, (former) government officials, police officers and activists from the three countries.
Trust as the foundation for resistance
Her analysis shows that trust and connection between citizens form the foundation for successful resistance. “Strong social ties make the difference,” says Born. “And these should also extend to government representatives. A police officer will suppress a protest less harshly if he recognises his neighbour, former classmate or family member among the demonstrators.”
It is also important to know how to resist. “Overthrowing a dictator is not easy and requires a strong yet flexible strategy,” Born explains. Previous experience with resistance or political participation can help, as can international allies. “That way, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel when activists are already under enormous pressure.”
Born will defend her PhD on this research at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam on 18 December.