Civil disobedience

Definition

Civil disobedience is the active refusal to obey certain laws, demands, or commands of a government or occupying power, based on moral or ethical grounds. It often involves peaceful protests and nonviolent resistance, aiming to highlight perceived injustices or to advocate for social and political change. This form of protest can challenge authoritarian regimes and military coups, bringing attention to issues that may be ignored by those in power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Civil disobedience has been employed throughout history as a means of resisting oppressive laws, notably by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi during India's struggle for independence and Martin Luther King Jr. during the American Civil Rights Movement.
2. In contexts of military coups, civil disobedience can serve as a powerful tool for citizens to oppose the imposition of authoritarian regimes, drawing national and international attention to their plight.
3. The effectiveness of civil disobedience often hinges on its ability to gain public support and media coverage, which can apply pressure on governments to reconsider unjust policies.
4. While civil disobedience is typically nonviolent, it can lead to arrests and legal consequences for those involved, which can further galvanize support for the movement.
5. Civil disobedience may be viewed differently by various stakeholders; supporters see it as a moral duty against injustice, while opponents might label it as lawlessness or anarchy.

Review Questions

• How does civil disobedience serve as a tool for citizens in authoritarian regimes?
  • Civil disobedience acts as a vital means for citizens under authoritarian regimes to express their dissent against unjust laws or practices. By refusing to comply with oppressive regulations and engaging in peaceful protests, individuals can draw attention to their grievances both domestically and internationally. This strategy can undermine the legitimacy of authoritarian governments, galvanizing public support and potentially leading to political change.
• Discuss the relationship between civil disobedience and social movements in the context of military coups.
  • Civil disobedience is often a crucial tactic employed by social movements during military coups as they seek to challenge the authority of illegitimate regimes. These movements utilize nonviolent protests, strikes, and other forms of refusal to cooperate with the new regime's demands. The collective action fostered by social movements amplifies the impact of civil disobedience, creating a united front that can pressure military rulers to reconsider their actions and policies.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of civil disobedience on political structures following military coups.
  • The long-term implications of civil disobedience after military coups can significantly reshape political structures within a country. Successful movements that utilize civil disobedience may inspire democratic reforms, greater civic engagement, and a more robust civil society. Conversely, if met with repression, these actions may lead to further polarization and conflict. Ultimately, civil disobedience can create lasting change by altering public perception of authority and establishing new norms around participation in governance.

Related terms

Nonviolent resistance: A method of protest where individuals or groups refuse to cooperate with or comply with oppressive laws or policies without resorting to violence.

Authoritarianism: A political system characterized by the concentration of power in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the public, often suppressing dissent and limiting personal freedoms.

Social movements: Organized efforts by a large group of people to promote or resist social change, often linked to civil disobedience as a tactic for enacting change.