Nonviolence

Mark Kurlansky argues that nonviolence is not merely a passive state of mind but a distinct, active technique for overcoming social injustice and ending wars. In this sweeping historical narrative, he traces the concept from ancient Hindu traditions to modern conflicts, examining why it remains a "dangerous" idea in a world dominated by military deterrence. Kurlansky challenges the notion of the "just war" and explores whether nonviolent resistance could have succeeded against even the most evil regimes in history.

The book is structured around twenty-five provocative lessons drawn from history, highlighting how violence is often used to suppress nonviolent practitioners like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Kurlansky’s prose is engaging and scholarly, blending historical analysis with urgent contemporary argument. He contends that the foundational work for ending war is largely complete and simply needs to be embraced, offering a trailblazing perspective that compels readers to view historical and current conflicts through a new lens.

Description adapted from Open Library ↗.