The Pillars of Power
The true functioning of power
Nonviolence is built upon an alternative understanding of power. Within the theory of nonviolence, power resides where people believe it resides. As such, actions are based on the idea that the people themselves have the power and only through the illusion of believing that the powerful have power, do the powerful have power. When the people no longer believe that power resides at the top, then it will stop residing at the top. This means that the traditional view on power itself, is an illusion. The power of illusions is that it can instantly change when somebody awakens to that illusion. As such, unlike traditional views of power as static or innate, nonviolence emphasizes that power is derived from the consent and cooperation of people.
Pillars of Power
An useful concept to understand the deeper dynamics of organizing popular revolts are the pillars of power, which are institutions and systems that uphold authority or support a system. This means that members of institutions of a community, for example police, army, political class, legal institutions, universities, business elite, and media, can switch from supporting the status quo, to the movement. By strategically targeting these pillars, nonviolent movements can weaken regimes and bring about social change.
Each pillar plays a crucial role in maintaining the status quo, and when one or more pillars are weakened or removed, the entire power structure can collapse. Thus, the goal of nonviolent resistance is to pull away those pillars from a government. This is possible because these pillars are built from people, who likely have wives, parents, friends, and families, meaning that their views can be influenced.
Key pillars of power
There is a vast amount of pillars of power, but usually the most effective are the military and police, the media and information systems, the economic institutions, religious and cultural institutions, and the judiciary and legal systems.
The military and police
The police and army are essential pillars of power, as they are the only pillar that wield violence. These forces are tasked with maintaining law and order, but they can also be used to suppress dissent and enforce the will of the ruling authority. The greatest method a regime or system has at its disposal to keep people obedient, is violence. When this method becomes unavailable to the regime, it will usually immediately lose its perceived power afterwards. This is possible, because most of these armed troops are patriotic young men, unwilling to shoot at their fellow citizens. Especially when those citizens are elderly women and children. Nonviolent movements often target this pillar by encouraging defections, building relationships with lower-ranking officers, and appealing to the humanity of security forces.
Media and information systems
The media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion and legitimizing authority. In many oppressive regimes, the media is tightly controlled to disseminate propaganda, suppress dissenting voices, and maintain the narrative that supports the regime. Nonviolent resistance movements often seek to establish alternative media channels to counteract propaganda. This includes using social media to spread awareness, creating underground publications, and leveraging international media to bring attention to their cause.
Economic institutions
Economic institutions, including businesses, banks, and trade unions, are another vital pillar of power. These institutions provide the financial resources necessary for regimes to function and maintain control. Nonviolent movements can disrupt this pillar by organizing economic boycotts, strikes, and divestment campaigns.
Religious and cultural institutions
Religious and cultural institutions can provide moral and ideological support to regimes. They can shape societal values, norms, and beliefs that legitimize authority and discourage dissent. Nonviolent movements often engage with religious and cultural leaders to gain their support or to challenge harmful practices.
Judiciary and legal systems
The judiciary and legal systems are responsible for upholding laws and delivering justice. However, in many oppressive regimes, these systems are manipulated to maintain power and suppress opposition. Nonviolent movements can challenge this pillar by advocating for legal reforms, supporting political prisoners, and exposing judicial corruption.
