A Major Force for Change
Fletcher Summer Institute Examines Nonviolent ConflictT
he relative quiet of Fletcher’s summer days was interrupted at the end of June by a lively and engaging gathering of activists, journalists, lawyers, scholars and others from around the world, all taking part in the annual Fletcher Summer Institute for the Advanced Study of Nonviolent Conflict (FSI).
A week-long certificate program begun in 2006, FSI is the product of a partnership between The Fletcher School and the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC), a Washington D.C.-based independent, non-profit organization founded by Board of Overseers Chair Peter Ackerman, F69, F71, F76. Born out of recognition of the political and strategic role nonviolent conflict has played in civilian-based struggles in the 20th and 21st centuries, FSI seeks to educate and engage its participants on theories and strategies of nonviolent conflict. FSI participants attended sessions led by Fletcher faculty, ICNC staff and advisors, and top scholars and practitioners of nonviolent conflict. The participants came from all regions of the world with varying work backgrounds; the common thread that united them was an interest in nonviolent action, whether as a means to further their own work or another lens through which to view the world.
From South Africa to Serbia, the United States to India, Chile to the Philippines, nonviolent action has proved to be a major force for change, responding to repression and injustice, promoting democratic values and rights through civilian initiatives. Presenters and participants discussed how and why nonviolent action can be an effective tool for change, its ongoing evolution especially in the face of modern technology, the relationship between geopolitical factors and nonviolent action and much more. Peter Ackerman, ICNC President Jack DuVall, and FSI academic director and Fletcher Associate Professor of International Security Studies Bill Martel, provided a strong foundation for the discussions.
Several case studies of successful and unsuccessful nonviolent struggles were examined throughout the week. The program opened on Sunday night with a dinner and a keynote address by Reverend James Lawson, a leader within the American Civil Rights Movement. Srdja Popovic and Ivan Marovic, leaders of Otpor, the student organization that played a pivotal role in bringing down former Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic led sessions on nonviolent strategy and screened Bringing Down a Dictator, a documentary produced by Steve York. Participants were also able to learn of first-hand experiences from Janet Cherry, a former member of the United Democratic Front, the highly influential South African anti-apartheid organization.
Continuing their study of historic cases of nonviolent action, participants worked on group projects analyzing the 2004 election in Ukraine and the Tiananmen Square demonstrations in China, culminating in group presentations that demonstrated their command of the subject with creativity and often, humor.
The bonds of friendship among FSI participants were apparent from the first day and will continue far into the future. This year’s group was cohesive and dynamic and each individual was determined to learn from his peers. The talent and the compassion present in the participants proved a continued strength of the program. The participants yearn to change their communities and the world for the better. Equipped with a new set of tools, they will spread the benefits of their short time at Fletcher across the world.
Olivia Greene