CIPR Fall Series: Political Violence and Democratic Representation in Latin America
Professor Consuelo Amat (Johns Hopkins University) develops a theory of nonviolent resistance under extreme repression, complementing the traditional "power in numbers" framework with a new logic of "power in autonomy." She argues that in highly repressive regimes, where mass mobilization is nearly impossible, nonviolent movements should focus on delivering public goods and services to the population. This strategy reduces dependence on the repressive state, fosters political power through autonomy, and sets the stage for mass mobilization when repression eases.