MAXIMALIST MOVES: AN ANALYSIS OF GOVERNMENT AND SOCIAL MOVEMENT TACTICS
Loading...
Authors
Morris, Reuben O.
Subjects
social movement theory
resistance movements
social movements
special operations forces
violent resistance
nonviolent resistance
government strategies
government repression
maximalist campaigns
data analysis
logit regression
social network analysis
ICEWS
REVMOD
Gene Sharp
Erica Chenoweth
resistance movements
social movements
special operations forces
violent resistance
nonviolent resistance
government strategies
government repression
maximalist campaigns
data analysis
logit regression
social network analysis
ICEWS
REVMOD
Gene Sharp
Erica Chenoweth
Advisors
Warren, Timothy C.
Date of Issue
2023-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis examines the tactics of resistance employed by social movements seeking regime change, territorial separation, or foreign expulsion. It draws upon existing research and datasets to explore the effectiveness of both violent and nonviolent strategies, the impact of movement size, the role of leadership decapitation and terrorism, and the importance of third-party support. The research findings highlight several key factors that influence movement success. Population size, regime type, and GDP per capita appear to be significant variables. Movements within anocracies, characterized by a mix of democratic and autocratic elements, showed a higher likelihood of movement success compared to stable democracies and autocracies. Contrary to some claims, the study reveals that a mixed strategy combining violence and nonviolence has a positive effect on movement success. Violent elements within a movement can be complemented by moderate groups, enhancing the movement's overall effectiveness. Additionally, the findings affirm the importance of movement size, with larger movements demonstrating increased success, and the backfire effect of government violence. These findings advocate for SOF to seek to align operational objectives with social movements, favor support to mixed-methods movements, and incorporate all elements of special operations for success.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.