Non-violent movements and Inclusion

Welcome back to the Inclusion Wednesday series, where we explore various dimensions of inclusion. Today, in honour of the International Day of Non-Violence, I focus on the intersection of non-violent movements and inclusion. This is not an easy task, especially today, as I listen to the devastating news about the further escalation of violence in the Middle East, the US mediator’s formal announcement of no progress in Sudanese ceasefire talks, and the increasing authoritarian backlash and continued oppression of non-violent actors and movements worldwide. Writing today from Kenya, I have also learned that the Gen Z anti-corruption youth movement has ended its activities due to severe repression.

So, how can we maintain hope for non-violent movements, and how does inclusion contribute to their success? To shift my perspective away from the frustration of the daily news, I decided to adopt a different lens by examining both comparative evidence and my own experiences. I revisited key works on non-violent movements from colleagues, reflected on my time working with non-violent movements in Colombia, and assessed the relevance of these insights for different aspects of inclusion and how they shape current realities in peacebuilding. Here are the key takeaways:

Non-Violent Movements Matter

Research consistently highlights that non-violent movements tend to be more successful in achieving lasting, peaceful transitions compared to violent uprisings. Seminal democracy scholars like O’Donnell and Schmitter (1986) have long emphasised the crucial role of non-violent movements in sparking political change. Chenoweth and Stephan (2014) confirm these findings, showing that the success of such movements lies in their ability to mobilise broad popular support. Research by Nilsson and Svensson (2023), Belgioioso et al.,(2024) and Paffenholz et al.(2016) demonstrates that non-violent movements help build momentum for peace talks.

Why Inclusion Matters for the Success of Non-Violent Movements

One of the key factors behind the success of non-violent movements is large-scale, diverse participation. When movements draw support from a wide range of social groups, they gain legitimacy and create a powerful counterforce against oppressive regimes or armed conflicts. Social networks—such as labour unions, religious organisations, and other pre-existing structures—often provide critical logistical support and credibility to these movements. Many successful non-violent movements feature significant leadership and participation by women and youth, as seen in recent cases like the Gen Z movement in Bangladesh or the Arab Spring movements in the early 2000s, as confirmed by research from Nilsson and Svensson (2023), and Paffenholz et al.(2016) Broad-based, inclusive movements are also a powerful force for preventing violence.

The Common Goal of Peaceful Change is the Key Factor

My experience in Colombia resonates with these findings. Between 2013 and 2019, I was involved in various ways during the peace talks between the government and two armed groups, the FARC and the ELN. One pivotal moment came when I was asked to facilitate after the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC was rejected in a public referendum. The country feared a return to war. Different non-violent movements, from students to unions, had started mass actions in favour of peace but struggled to agree on collective action, as they believed their diverse ideologies could not be reconciled.

As a facilitator, I entered a room filled with tension. After listening to their concerns, I said, “Don’t worry, you can solve this.” I shared examples from other contexts, showing strong evidence that collective mass mobilisation is essential, and that ideology is not the critical issue at that moment; the shared goal of maintaining peace is what matters. It was inspiring to see the spark in people’s eyes, the shift in energy, and the speed of action that followed. Masses took to the streets once students, unions, and other groups joined forces under a unified slogan for peace.

Lessons for Today’s Conflicts and Peace Processes

Whether we look at Tunisia, Egypt, Myanmar, Belarus, or Sudan, we see that non-violent movements—while often successful—also face setbacks on the long road to political transitions and more inclusive societies. However, the gains of inclusive non-violent movements do not disappear. People’s memories endure, and mobilisation can restart at any time, as seen in places like Guatemala or in recent Gen Z movements in Kenya and Bangladesh. Cases like Sudan’s current process show that lessons from the past and comparative research are gaining value. While ceasefire talks remain somewhat exclusive (though a women’s space has recently been added), there is broad agreement among Sudanese and international actors that a lasting peace process must be broad-based and inclusive, recognising the role of non-violent movements.

The legacy of non-violent movements teaches us that while setbacks are inevitable, the power of inclusion endures—ready to reignite when people come together for lasting change. The inclusive nature of non-violent movements leaves an indelible mark, reminding us that the journey to peace and justice, though long, is built on the strength of collective memory and shared purpose.

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Special thanks to colleagues whose work has inspired this article: Veronique Dudouet , Bryan M. S. , Maria Antonia Montes , Matthew Cebul , Dr Margherita Belgioioso , Erica Chenoweth , Maria J. Stephan , Desirée Nilsson , Isak Svensson , Dorcas Ettang , Nassim Tabri , Seyed Nima Orazani (Ph.D. in social and political psychology) , Michael J. Wohlford , Bernhard Leidner , Karuna Sowjanya Mantena , and Inclusive Peace .

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