Nonviolent Action During Democratic Transitions
Channel: United States Institute of Peace
Date: 2023-01-12

A Reflection on Recent Political Transitions in Armenia and Tunisia

In recent years, nonviolent campaigns for democracy have won major victories against violent autocracies across the globe. But after those initial victories are won, peaceful activists face a deceptively difficult question: What happens next? Transitional periods come with their own series of challenges, including drop-offs in popular mobilization, opposition fragmentation, political violence and elite-led counterrevolutions. These challenges are by no means insurmountable — but if left unaddressed, they can undermine progress and ultimately reverse promising transitions to democracy.

On January 12, USIP hosted a discussion on the challenges of nonviolent activism during periods of political transition. The conversation reflected on how recent political transitions initiated by peaceful protests in Armenia and Tunisia have unfolded and consider the role, if any, that external supporters have to play in helping pro-democracy forces navigate these barriers to progress.

Continue the conversation on Twitter using #PeoplePower4Peace.

Speakers: 

Jonathan Pinckney 
Director of Applied Research, Horizons Project

Her Excellency Lilit Makunts 
Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States

Amy Hawthorne 
Deputy Director for Research, Project on Middle East Democracy

Ro Tucci
Director of the Democracy, Human Rights and Governance Center

Matthew Cebul, moderator 
Research Officer, Nonviolent Action, U.S. Institute of Peace

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world. Learn more about USIP: https://www.usip.org/about