Maximalist Moves: An Analysis of Government and Social Movement Tactics
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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1225444
Entities
People
- Reuben O. Morris
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School