Between Mao and Gandhi: the social roots of civil resistance

Abstract

This book aims to answer one question: why do dissidents choose a non-violent strategy in some cases and take up arms in other cases? The contextual connotation of the title is directed towards Nepal, a country that lies between two gigantic geopolitical powers—China and India. Thurber links the above question with the contentious political and civil resistance literature. Here, the work on contentious politics emphasizes the role of the state, while civil resistance focuses on challengers. The central argument introduces the negotiating role of social ties, which are classified according to the challenger's relations with the regime and a range of social groups. The combined network of social ties shapes a challenger's experience and behaviour, and influences the strategic choice between violence and non-violence through interaction with the state. Thurber applies his argument to the history and society of Nepal. In the early stages of the Nepali Congress (NC), the...