66. Nonviolent action

Nonviolent action is an overarching category of mechanisms for political, economic, or social change used by individuals within states or organizations. It may include acts of omission, acts of commission, or a combination of the two. Nonviolent action is distinct from violent action because change is sought through the use of protest and persuasion, social, economic noncooperation, political noncooperation, or nonviolent intervention. This entry discusses the public choice aspects of nonviolent action, provides examples of nonviolent action, and discusses contemporary research on nonviolent action.