Albert Einstein Institution

"The work of Gene Sharp stands apart in the field of nonviolent theory for one central reason: his understanding of power. For Sharp, justice, equality, freedom and any meaningful form of democracy do not exist simply as ideals or constitutional rights. They exist only when power is actually dispersed throughout society — embedded in the daily practices, institutions and relationships of ordinary people. Without that dispersion, democracy is little more than a substanceless claim."

Resistance is only half the equation When movements are at their most powerful, they not only withdraw cooperation from unjust systems, but build the capacity to live without them.

"In the years leading up to the American Revolution, the colonists conducted a massive nonviolent struggle that achieved de facto independence from the British."

AEI's Jamila Raqib's latest for Waging Nonviolence

The American colonial resistance In the years leading up to the American Revolution, the colonists conducted a massive nonviolent struggle that achieved de facto independence from the British.

As we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this year, take time to reflect on the events that preceded it. There are lessons for today’s civil resistance efforts. It’s past time we find them and make use of them.

AEI's Jamila Raqib and Michael Shank in Waging Nonviolence

America’s struggle for independence and the role of nonviolent action How de facto independence was achieved before the outbreak of violence.

New report out that discusses "three interventions that are urgently needed in the democracy field: (1) an AI code of conduct for democracy movement groups and organizations, (2) a targeted research agenda on AI in democracy movements, and (3) efforts to expand and strengthen collaborative linkages between the technologist and democracy activist communities. These core interventions correspond to ongoing scholar-practitioner working groups that are driving progress along each of these lines of effort."

The report, the culmination of a process convened by the Nonviolent Action Lab that included AEI's Jamila Raqib and others, can be found here:

https://ash.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/HKS-Ash-Policy-Brief-AI-for-Democracy-FINAL.pdf

Next steps for the ‘No Kings’ movement? As 'No Kings' prepares for the next nationwide mobilization, it's time to integrate the 'playbook'. Latest in Waging Nonviolence

Next steps for the 'No Kings' movement As 'No Kings' prepares for the next nationwide mobilization, it's time to integrate the 'playbook'.

Happening tomorrow! Join leading strategic nonviolence theorists, frontline activists, authors and trainers for a 90-minute webinar on on Saturday, April 18. Register here:
https://lnkd.in/eKfP3H-q

AEI's Jamila Raqib for Waging Nonviolence on "Why authoritarianism fears women — and why it should. The fact that today’s movements against authoritarianism are heavily women and youth led is grounds for real hope."

Why authoritarianism fears women — and why it should The fact that today’s movements against authoritarianism are heavily women and youth led is grounds for real hope.

AEI's Michael Shank in Waging Nonviolence discussing: "From Target to Disney, 2025 proved boycotts work. Here’s how to build on them. The US was founded on boycotts of British imports. As we mark the country’s 250th anniversary, that spirit is alive and well."

From Target to Disney, 2025 proved boycotts work. Here’s how to build on them The US was founded on boycotts of British imports. As we mark the country’s 250th anniversary, that spirit is alive and well.

Join leading strategic nonviolence theorists, frontline activists, authors and trainers for a 90-minute webinar on on Saturday, April 18. Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W6b59ymAt51m8PXLNTXRi0CSORf7cAqTveLYWRUU9Hw/viewform?edit_requested=true

AEI's Jamila Raqib on why we need to expand our definition of security. Our latest for Waging Nonviolence. By expanding our definition of security, we can more accurately reflect how a secure world is achieved and defended in practice. Read more here:

Expanding our definition of security By expanding our definition of security, we can more accurately reflect how a secure world is achieved and defended in practice.