Power means 'to be able'
The idea of power is fundamental to the success of nonviolence as a method for change. Like the new clothes of the proverbial emperor, power exists in any particular form for only as long we all continue to believe in it.
The idea of power which most of us consciously or unconsciously subscribe to is the monolithic view of power, which can be represented as a pyramid in which power is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or institutions.
The conception of power which makes nonviolent resistance possible is different. It sees power as something which is diffused throughout society, in which the power of any group or individual is dependent on the consent of others. Power, in reality, is not monolithic, but inherently fragile.
Nonviolent action, whether through strikes, civil disobedience, boycotts or other means, undermines the power of the ruler. It can do this because even the most powerful ruler needs others to carry out his or her wishes. Without the obedience of citizens, the power of the ruler evaporates.
Power-over, power-within, power-with
Another way of classifying power often used by nonviolence activists is the distinction between three sorts of power: power-over, power-from-within and power-with:
Power-over is the dominant form in our society. Often associated with violence or the threat of violence, power-over is the ability to force others to submit to your will, regardless of their wishes.
Power-from-within refers to the inner strength associated with courage, conviction, creativity and self-discipline. For some, power-within carries strong spiritual connotations.
Power-with is the result when we co-operate with others to achieve shared ends. It comes from our ability to listen to, empathise with and understand others, and to identify shared beliefs or interests.
It is power-over which nonviolence activists seek to neutralise, and which we will frequently face in the form of violent repression. Power-from-within gives us the motivation and strength to persist in the face of threatened or real repression. Power-with is both the key to multiplying our individual strength, and the ultimate goal of the nonviolent activist in reshaping society along fair and just lines.
Resources:
Power and Struggle by James VanHise
A review of Power and Struggle, the first volume of Gene Sharp's The Politics of Nonviolent Action
Whence Comes the Power? by Gene Sharp
This chapter from Sharp's essay, "From Dictatorship to Democracy", summarises his ideas on power in relation to movements seeking to undermine dictatorial regimes.
Gene Sharp's Theory of Power by Brian Martin
A critique of Sharp's conception of political power.
The King Who Ruled Nothing by James VanHise
A short parable which could be used to spread the idea of the 'consent' model of power.
'Pyramid' vs 'consent'
A diagram for use in discussing these two different ways of understanding power.
The Three Types of Power by Starhawk
In this extract from her book Truth or Dare, wiccan activist Starhawk introduces her ideas on power-over, power-from-within and power-with.
The Discourses of Voluntary Servitude by Étienne de la Boétie
Written in the 16th century, this essay by de la Boétie prefigures the notions of consent and disobedience which form the foundations of modern nonviolent thought.