The Boycott or the Bullet

The Boycott or the Bullet: A Global History of Debates over Nonviolence since 1850 examines debates within nonviolent movements, including labor movements in Europe, Gandhi’s Indian independence struggle, and Martin Luther King’s US civil rights campaigns.

Behind the scenes, nonviolent activists pressured those on their own side to maintain discipline and not to escalate to violence. Resolving these internal tensions is part of a wider worldwide dynamic debate between proponents of nonviolent direct action and those of violent revolt. This account reveals how nonviolent proponents have successfully managed to curtail advocates of violence, pursuing boycotts instead of bullets.