A Master Class on Strategic Organized Resistance: Class 1
Purpose, Goals, Historical Context and Core Principles
Perhaps it is about time we create something like this… an easily accessible online masterclass on resistance. As I noted yesterday in the Revolutionary Library, there are many books that are worth reading and which will serve as the foundation of this course. What I want to do is abridge that information and make it available. I still encourage reading the source material.
In this post, I want to establish exactly what we’ll be covering, giving a brief overview of the purposes and goals of this course, some historical context and go over some core principles.
Purpose and Goals
The aim of this master class is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and implement effective strategies for organized resistance against the destructive forces of industrial and societal structures. This course is designed to delve into the principles of resistance, providing a comprehensive framework for dismantling systems that perpetuate environmental degradation and social injustice. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical tactics, participants will learn how to foster resilient, sustainable communities capable of challenging and ultimately transforming the status quo. This class will empower you to not only resist but to actively build a future grounded in justice, equity, and ecological balance.
Historical Context
To understand the strategies of organized resistance, it's crucial to look back at the rich history of resistance movements and their profound impacts on society.
From the American Revolution in the 18th century to the anti-colonial movements of the 20th century, resistance has taken many forms. The American Revolution was not just a fight against British colonial rule but also a foundational moment in the establishment of democratic ideals and governance, though it was not without its own errors. Similarly, the anti-colonial struggles in Africa, Asia, and Latin America were pivotal in dismantling European imperialism and fostering national self-determination.
The Civil Rights Movement in the United States, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., employed non-violent resistance along side more radical flanks to combat racial segregation and discrimination. This movement not only achieved significant legislative victories, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but also inspired global human rights campaigns.
The Indian Independence Movement, spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi, showcased the power of non-violent civil disobedience paired with radical flanks. Gandhi's strategies of peaceful protest and non-cooperation were instrumental in ending British colonial rule in India and have since influenced numerous social justice movements worldwide.
In recent decades, the Environmental Movement has gained momentum, with organizations like Greenpeace and Extinction Rebellion employing direct action and civil disobedience to raise awareness about climate change and ecological destruction. These movements have certainly highlighted the urgent need for systemic change to protect the planet, but we will discuss their shortcomings as well.
Additionally, the Zapatista Uprising in Mexico and the Rojava Revolution in Syria demonstrate how indigenous and marginalized communities can organize to resist oppression and build autonomous, self-sufficient societies. These movements emphasize the importance of grassroots mobilization and the creation of alternative governance structures.
By examining these historical examples, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the diverse tactics and strategies that have been employed in successful resistance movements. This context will provide valuable lessons for organizing and sustaining resistance in contemporary struggles against industrial and societal oppression.
Core Principles
There are many reasons to stage resistance against the neoliberal hegemony. If you’ve been reading my writings, you know I hone in on some core underlying principles about ecological destruction and social injustice. Some of my core beliefs can be found in this post:
I’d like to take a moment to elaborate further on some of the theoretical and practical foundations for an effective resistance movement. You’ll find these core principles in many of the historical social movements we’ll discuss, including the Kurdish and Zapatistas.
Unsustainability of Industrial Civilization:
Industrial civilization is inherently unsustainable and must be dismantled to preserve the planet. This principle underscores the need for resistance against systems that prioritize profit over ecological balance and human well-being.
Premise of Violence:
Violence is a fundamental component of industrial civilization, used to maintain control and suppress dissent. Recognizing this helps resistance movements prepare for the realities of confronting such a system.
Need for a Culture of Resistance:
An effective resistance movement should emphasize the importance of cultivating a culture of resistance. This involves fostering communities that value solidarity, mutual aid, and a shared commitment to dismantling oppressive systems.
Strategic Use of Direct Action:
Direct action, including sabotage and civil disobedience, is essential in disrupting harmful infrastructures. It is vital to effectively plan and execute these actions to maximize their impact while minimizing risks to participants.
Dual Strategy of Aboveground and Underground Resistance:
There is a dual approach to resistance, including both aboveground activities like advocacy, education, and legal challenges and underground tactics such as sabotage and guerrilla warfare. Understanding the difference between these two and which are necessary and when is a fundamental component of strategy and planning.
Decentralization and Autonomy:
Emphasizing decentralized, autonomous groups helps create resilient and adaptable movements. These small, self-sufficient cells can operate independently yet remain connected through shared goals and strategies, enhancing their ability to withstand repression and continue their activities.
Ecological and Social Justice:
The integration of ecological concerns with social justice, arguing that true resistance must address the interconnectedness of environmental destruction and social oppression. This holistic approach ensures that efforts to protect the planet also advance human rights and equity.
Resilient Communities:
Effective resistance requires a long-term commitment and resilience in the face of setbacks and repression. Building strong, supportive communities and maintaining a clear vision of the end goals are crucial for sustaining the movement over time.
In Class 2, I will be covering some of the foundations for resistance. This is vital for establishing why we must organize resistance and the moral choice between passivity and fighting the good fight. We’ll address the question of industrial civilization itself. Some people are still under the impression that sans capitalism, industrial civilization would be just fine. We’ll take a close look at that claim along with the many issues that humans experience living in modernity. In Class 3, we will start getting into how we develop a resistance strategy. Stay tuned!
And I think we have an ally in BRICS countries who have similar goals to these.