A seminal work on the power of nonviolent action this classic book outlines in a systematic way the elements involved in successfully opposing military dictatorships by passive means This work shows how nonviolent action grows from the fact that all governments depend on the cooperation or at least the general compliance of the people they govern & in particular on the loyalty of key institutions From there it discusses how if a government's base of support in society is eroded it becomes increasingly difficult for it to govern to the point where it can no longer rely on these crucial institutions of administration persuasion & coercion This edition also considers historical evidence insists on the importance of advance planning & preparation & identifies key factors to be taken into account in devising sound strategies & tactics Tactics & strategies that may be adapted for various circumstances are also included