Deborah Avant, Marie E. Berry, Erica Chenoweth, Rachel A. Epstein, Cullen Hendrix, Oliver Kaplan, and Timothy Sisk, eds. Civil Action and the Dynamics of Violence. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2019.

Many view civil wars as violent contests between armed combatants. But history shows that community groups, businesses, NGOs, local governments, and even armed groups can respond to war by engaging in civil action. Characterized by a reluctance to resort to violence and a willingness to engage with others, civil action can slow, delay, or prevent violent escalations. This volume explores how people in conflict environments engage in civil action, and the ways such action has affected violence dynamics in Syria, Peru, Kenya, Northern Ireland, Mexico, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Spain, and Colombia. These cases highlight the critical and often neglected role that civil action plays in conflicts around the world.

Advance praise for Civil Action:

“One of the most important recent findings is that civil action can be a surprisingly effective way for citizens to keep their governments in line while avoiding violence. If you want to know how citizens can do this-even in an era of democratic decline-read this book. It couldn’t come at a
better time.”

–Barbara F. Walter, Professor of Political Science, University of California, San Diego

“Studies of conflict focus primarily on violence and generally see civilians as victims of this violence. This excellent book shows how nonviolent activities by non-state actors can build and maintain relationships in the middle of fighting, lead to lower levels of violence, and contribute to the resolution of civil wars. A series of impressive case studies of conflicts from Syria to Northern Ireland and Bosnia to Afghanistan show the many and important ways that civil action can shape the dynamics of civil wars.”

–David E. Cunningham, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Government and Politics, University of Maryland