The how-to guide for the twenty-first century radical - by the man who inspired democracy movements across the world, most recently in the Arab Spring.
From Democracy to Dictatorship was a pamphlet, printed and distributed by Dr Gene Sharp and based on his study, over a period of forty years, on non-violent methods of demonstration. Now in its fourth edition, it was originally handed out by the Albert Einstein Peace Institution, and although never actively promoted, to date it has been translated into thirty-one languages. Now in its twenty-first year, it is being published for the first time in the English language. This astonishing book travelled as a photocopied pamphlet from Burma to Indonesia, Serbia and most recently Egypt, Tunisia and Syria, with dissent in China also reported. Once read you'll find yourself urging others to read it and indeed want to gift it. It has been likened to Marx's The Communist Manifesto and Mao Tse Tung's Little Red Book in its historic importance and has played a pivotal role in the recent and ongoing uprisings of the Arab Spring.
Reviews
"'Gene Sharp has written a book that must be read. It is scholarly, readable and highly relevant at a time when so many people are challenging the dictatorships under which they live. With his long historical understanding he offers really useful advice to people who are engaged on the same task today' (Tony Benn)"
Author description
Gene Sharp holds degrees from universities across the world. He is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. He was previously at Harvard University's Center for International Affairs. For his lifelong commitment to the defence of freedom, democracy, and the reduction of political violence he was awarded the Courage of Conscience award in 2008. He is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee.
