Is There No Other Way?: The Search for a Nonviolent Future

Rating:
Summary: A practical view that could save us all.
Review: Drawing on years of research, personal experience and the anecdotal records of other peace workers, Michael Nagler has created a book that both seasoned peace workers and "newbies" to the field will learn much from. Reading this book, it becomes clear that there IS another way, and that in fact, that "way" has been around and WORKING over and over in many different circumstances and cultures. I love the combination of practical models (for example the three stages of nonviolent response) and stories woven together in an orderly pattern. In addition, Dr. Nagler makes it clear that nonviolence goes far beyond demonstrations and symbolic gestures. He tackles the difficult issue of suffering; the willingness of the person trying to change things to suffer rather than inflict suffering on others. There are stories here about nonviolence at work that move me deeply and show how transforming nonviolence can be for both the person acting nonviolently and their often violent oppressors. In addition to wonderful stories, there is practical, "put it into practice tomorrow" advice. I was deeply appreciative of Michael Nagler's analysis of the media and of advertising; his advice about this powerful force for violence in our culture is right on the money. Readers would do well to consider this advice seriously. Every once in awhile someone comes along and says or does something that shifts my paradigm-- makes me see possibilities where I saw none before, or helps me accept and understand where I had previously rejected and judged. This book tells story after story of people experiencing those paradigm shifts and transforming their behavior (and the world) in both large and small ways. If people began acting on the stories and advice that are in this book, I believe our culture could experience a real sea change -- a change for the better that would lead ultimately to a nonviolent future. This future is bright with possibilities and solutions to so many of the issues that plague us now and cast a shadow on how we currently see our future. Read this book. Share it with friends. Pass the message around. Get busy. Pay attention. As my Latin friends would say, "Nobis Est." It's up to us.

Rating:
Summary: poorly researched and argued
Review: Nagler most likely has his heart in the right place. but his book is not going to convince anyone who isn't already in the nonviolence camp.

First, he cites ancendotal evidence, but rarely ever references any logical argument of substance. Occassionally, he will reference the concept of some other writer, such as Baudrillard's concept of war as a video game, without ever going into detail in explaination, or even giving credit another author. He makes broad statements while failing to back them up with substantial research or critical thinking, let alone a reference to another text.

Additionally, his priveleged view of non-violence silences many perspectives. He seems to not understand the unique power dynamics of situations such as sexual assault. After reading his book, one would assume that the way for a woman to get out of a rape situation would be to be complacent. As a man, he needs to rethink how his theories affect those less priveleged than him.

Nagler spends a lot of time focusing on the personal aspects of non-violence. This portion of the book is very good, and spurs self-reflection. He does, however, not present a single idea of how an international system can move towards a non-violent future. While works of this kind often work in the abstract, he does not even attempt to take the next step to an even theoretical model of world peace. We do not know by the end, for example, if he advocates a state based system, a world without capitalism, or a reformed liberal state. His book is so un-political that it is difficult to gain much perspective on either theory or practice from this work.

Rating:
Summary: poorly researched and argued
Review: Nagler most likely has his heart in the right place. but his book is not going to convince anyone who isn't already in the nonviolence camp.

First, he cites ancendotal evidence, but rarely ever references any logical argument of substance. Occassionally, he will reference the concept of some other writer, such as Baudrillard's concept of war as a video game, without ever going into detail in explaination, or even giving credit another author. He makes broad statements while failing to back them up with substantial research or critical thinking, let alone a reference to another text.

Additionally, his priveleged view of non-violence silences many perspectives. He seems to not understand the unique power dynamics of situations such as sexual assault. After reading his book, one would assume that the way for a woman to get out of a rape situation would be to be complacent. As a man, he needs to rethink how his theories affect those less priveleged than him.

Nagler spends a lot of time focusing on the personal aspects of non-violence. This portion of the book is very good, and spurs self-reflection. He does, however, not present a single idea of how an international system can move towards a non-violent future. While works of this kind often work in the abstract, he does not even attempt to take the next step to an even theoretical model of world peace. We do not know by the end, for example, if he advocates a state based system, a world without capitalism, or a reformed liberal state. His book is so un-political that it is difficult to gain much perspective on either theory or practice from this work.

Rating:
Summary: Waging Peace Is Not For Wimps
Review: Professor Michael Nagler's book, "Is There No Other Way? The Search for a Nonviolent Future," was published before 9-11 but will surely come to be seen as a seminal work in understanding the causes of violence and the sorely-needed application of nonviolence -- which is not the same as pacifism.

For starters, let's get over the prevailing modern assumption that waging peace is somehow wimpy or unworkable. Prof. Nagler (UC Berkeley Emeritus) challenges us to really understand nonviolence, as Gandhi meant it to be employed. It is not "passive resistance." Neither is it nonviolence-unless-that-doesn't-work-and-then-we'll-go-back-to-being-violent-again. It is a morally-compelling, wondrously effective way of responding to violent force, not without its concommitant dangers, but then as Nagler says, "Nonviolence is dangerous, but not as dangerous as violence."

Would that everyone in the Middle East had a copy of this book; the only way to break the cycle of escalating violence is nonviolence. The marvel is that we now have a choice between the two modes of action. Countless, unsung heroes and heroines are carrying nonviolence forward into our new century, where it is probably the brightest ray of hope there is in an otherwise dark and gloomy forecast of a violent, militaristic, and authoritarian future, the foundations of which are already in place.

Since my novel about an adolescent would-be suicide is coming out this May, I was struck by Nagler's ideas about why, in a land of freedom and plenty, increasing numbers of adolescents, at increasingly younger ages, are feeling compelled to end their lives. While there are many layers to such a complex issue, one thing is obvious, says Nagler: "The reason a young person ends his or her life . . . is because life has lost its meaning for them -- they cannot imagine a future with any hope or purpose."

What's the tie-in between suicidal young people and our war-based world? I think bright, sensitive young people who have given up on life are the canaries in the gold mine. With everything in the world to live for, why are they choosing to check out? Could it be that the endless violence, trivialization and denigration of life all around them causes them to lose faith in the future -- or at least one they want to participate in?

This is where nonviolence comes in, as an alternative way of thinking and living. Nonviolence isn't just a negation of violence, it's an active embracing of peace in all its forms, a refusal to accept less than the bravest and best we can be. In short, it's a calling, to our highest aims as collective, collaborative, and cooperative human beings, an ideal young people desperately need in our time.

Though it seems we are presently sinking in a sea of negativity, there actually is more reason for hope now than at any other time in our history. I urge anyone interested in the future of the human race to read this book. Its principles may just be the saving of us.

Rating:
Summary: Is There No Other Way?: The Search for a Nonviolent Future
Review: THis is one of the best books I've ever read on nonviolence. It is very well-written and contains a good balance between nonviolence principles and Nagler's stories and personal anecdotes. Nagler well explains and illustrates nonviolence principles. His stories and examples are apt and useful. Nagler argues convincingly for both the principles and the efficacy of nonviolence in the world today. Most highly recommended, especially in the extreme levels of violence we live in today.