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theses

This study adds to the existing literature by bringing quantitative rigor to the study of how states recover from major opposition movements which are currently primarily qualitative in nature and mostly focused on how states recover from violent campaigns. Second, it begins to fill the gap in the absence of scholarly research in after transition structural stability. Many scholars have noted the fact that nonviolent campaigns emerge under certain conditions, and that they often succeed under another set of overlapping conditions. However, the longer-term impacts of these campaigns, are yet unknown. What this thesis has done is to examine a variety of potential impacts in the state’s structural stability indicators. As we continue to see the number of opposition movements increasing today, and realize that campaign organizers make a choice between violent and nonviolent tactics, it becomes vital to understand which type of campaign will help to establish the state’s future success and in what areas that successful will be lasting. The research question this study sought to answer is; does the choice of campaign type, in terms of violent or nonviolent tactics being utilized, and whether the campaign was successful, have an impact on the future growth of the state as measured in structural stability indicators. Successful nonviolent campaigns brought the most positive growth in increased: life expectancy, implementation of rule of law, degree of Democracy, infant mortality, respect for human rights, school enrollment and regional stability. Unsuccessful violent campaigns brought the most damage in five of the indicators: long term economic growth, implementation of rule of law, degree of Democracy, respect for human rights and regional stability. It appears that these states suffered all of the damages of a major campaign without the hopeful changes that a new regime can bring. It is hoped that future campaign organizers, and governments as well as individuals who want to support them, will see the numerous benefits of waging nonviolent campaigns and will choose peaceful means, in their quest for change. And it is hoped that this work has shown that states are better off, and make greater progress in future growth and stability for having had a major nonviolent campaign.

ETD_4794

Ph.D.

Includes bibliographical references

Includes vita

by Judith G. Stoddard

http://hdl.rutgers.edu/1782.1/rucore10002600001.ETD.000068783

doi:10.7282/T3V69H67

ETD doctoral

The author owns the copyright to this work.