Mass Nonviolent Civil Resistance: Do Disadvantaged Minorities Benefit, Too?

• In Event: Protest and Resistance in the Developing World

Abstract

What are the conditions in which politically disadvantaged ethnic groups become less disadvantaged? Research demonstrates how mass nonviolent civil resistance can be an effective tool for regime change. We have less understanding, however, of how mass nonviolent resistance can affect different segments of society. It is not clear if mass nonviolent civil resistance will result in a more egalitarian political system for all social groups, or if it only benefits the majority. I develop an argument that focuses on the relationship between a disadvantaged ethnic group’s participation in a mass nonviolent campaign and political power. I find that in the years following a mass nonviolent resistance campaign, a disadvantaged ethnic group is more likely to gain access to political power. The relationship, however, is conditional on the extent of nonviolent activity in the disadvantaged ethnic group region. The findings illustrate that mass nonviolent civil resistance does not just result in the wishes of the majority group. If offers political benefits to ethnic groups who suffer disadvantage in the political system.

Author

• Brandon Ives