Sharp theory
The Politics of Nonviolent Action (1973), Social Power and Political Freedom (1980), Gandhi as a Political Strategist (1979), Making Europe Unconquerable (1985).

Sharp defines political power, which is one type of social power, as 'the totality of means, influences, and pressures - including authority, rewards, and sanctions - available for use to achieve the objectives of the power-holder, especially the institutions of government, the State, and groups opposing either of them' (1980, p. 27).

The essence of Sharp's theory of power is quite simple: people in society may be divided into rulers and subjects; the power of rulers derives from consent by the subjects; non-violent action is a process of withdrawing consent and thus is a way to challenge the key modern problems of dictatorship, genocide, war and systems of oppression.

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Bringing Down Dictators & Consolidating Democracies »Bringing Down Dictators & Consolidating Democracies
1. Introduction: Theory »1. Introduction: Theory
power »power
concepts of power »concepts of power
constructivist »constructivist
Sharp theory
loci of power »loci of power
obedience-consent »obedience-consent
ruler-subject »ruler-subject
sources of power »sources of power
limitations of Sharp approach »limitations of Sharp approach
Gene Sharp »Gene Sharp
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