This text is an innovative and accessible work that introduces readers to the main arguments for and against the use of violence in politics. Indeed, the problem of political violence has acquired new salience in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Written by an experienced teacher and scholar of the subject, the book has been specially designed to engage readers by encouraging them to assume the role of impartial jurors in a simulated trial against nonviolence. This exciting participatory format allows readers to critical explore the main assumptions and myths that underpin various realist and idealist approaches to nonviolence. Key features of this text include: Coverage of the main idealist theories, traditions, methods and movements that favor non-violent political action Coverage of the main realist arguments against nonviolent strategies Examples of major nonviolent social and political movements from the early twentieth century to today

List of plates List of boxes Preface and acknowledgments 1. Introduction: nonviolence on trial PART I: THE EXPERT WITNESSES FOR THE PROSECUTION 2. Niccolo Machiavelli: Renaissance war realism 3. Max Weber: modern realism 4. Reinhold Niebuhr: Christian realism PART II: THE EXPERT WITNESSES FOR THE DEFENSE 5. Mahatma Gandhi: militant idealism 6. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Christian idealism 7. The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo: anarchist idealism PART III: CONSIDERING FURTHER EVIDENCE 8. Modern nonviolence movements 9. Scientific evidence on human violence: nature or nurture?