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EIGHT SIGNS TO IDENTIFY NONVIOLENT CONFLICT From the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict

There are signs, often well before a strategic nonviolent movement has hit the headlines, to spot its early stages, growth and cumulative impact.

1. Diversity– A wide range of ordinary citizens, for example,urban and rural, young and old, men and women, working and middle classes, civil society, participate in nonviolent actions.

2. Unity- Different parts of society that did not previously cooperate–such as political opposition parties, students, civil society, and unions – begin to come together.

3. Visible movement/name–A new entity with a recognized name emerges to represent the nonviolent struggle.

4. Vision for change–The objectives of th enonviolent movement are clearly articulated, appeal to a broad base of the population, and provide a picture of what life will be like after success.

5. Tactical variety–A variety of actions or tactics are used.There are198 nonviolent actions summarized by Dr. Gene Sharp, Resident Scholar of the Albert Einstein Institute at Harvard University.

6. Geographical dispersion–Nonviolent actions occur in many parts or all across the country or territory.

7.Tactical sequencing–Nonviolent actions occur systematically,are coordinated and reinforcing of one another, and progress from low risk to high risk over time.

8. Opponent/regime crackdown–The adversary cracks down on the nonviolent movement. Rather than being a sign of failure, crackdowns can indicate that the movement is having success and becoming a threat to the opponent’s power and control.