Waging a Good War

Nonviolence Radio

This episode of Nonviolence Radio welcomes journalist and author, Thomas Ricks. Thomas talks to Michael and Stephanie about his new book, Waging a Good War. A military history of the Civil Rights Movement, 1954-1968. Together the three explore the ways in which the American Civil Rights Movement framed nonviolence within a military context to advance its goals. Through a deep and practical understanding of the language and methods of violence, leaders of the Civil Rights Movement were able to use nonviolent action as a powerful, strategic and even aggressive agent for change. The interview makes clear that effective nonviolence is not embodied in spontaneous, impromptu performances, but in deliberate, intentional and meticulously planned actions. Such efforts required dedication and sacrifice, a commitment to and a faith in a greater good along with a willingness to learn, to practice, to collaborate and cooperate:

"One of my favorite moments in one of the Nashville demonstrations is a guy spit in a demonstrator’s face. And the demonstrator had been trained – when somebody spits in your face, ask the guy for a handkerchief. And the mob – this guy assaulting the kid, reached in his pocket for a handkerchief and then said, “Hell no.” But for that one moment, there had been human connection."

Ultimately, nonviolence is founded on precisely this human connection, our innate and enduring kinship with one another. This conversation reveals the way that nonviolence can become a powerful force, sometimes fueled by anger at senseless suffering, cruelty, racism and discrimination. But nonviolence does not merely unleash a torrent of rage, instead it carefully and consciously channels anger towards a justice that belongs to everyone.