For decades, a debate has raged in activist circles: what is the most effective path to social change? Is it the patient, structure-based community organizing championed by Saul Alinsky, or the explosive, disruptive power of mass mobilization seen in moments like Occupy Wall Street? In *This Is an Uprising*, authors Mark and Paul Engler argue that this is a false dichotomy. They masterfully blend historical analysis with social movement theory to propose a powerful hybrid model: strategic nonviolence. This book is an essential read for any activist who has ever wondered how to harness the energy of a spontaneous uprising and channel it into a force capable of winning concrete, lasting victories.
Book Summary: The Hybrid of Disruption and Organization
The Englers' central argument is that the most successful movements in history have seamlessly blended the strengths of two distinct traditions. On one side is "structure-based" organizing, which focuses on building a deep base of support over time through methodical, one-on-one relationship building. On the other is "mass mobilization," which uses moments of disruptive, often spontaneous, protest to create political crises that force the public and the political establishment to pay attention. The authors argue that a movement needs both: the disruptive power of protest to create moments of opportunity, and the organizational structure to seize those moments and translate them into policy change.
Key Concepts for Modern Activists
The book is rich with actionable concepts that can be applied to almost any campaign.
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The Pillars of Support
This is a critical strategic tool for understanding how power operates. The Englers argue that even the most entrenched regimes or powerful corporations do not rule through force alone; they rely on the active or passive cooperation of various institutions, or "pillars of support." These can include the police, the media, business leaders, religious institutions, and the bureaucracy. The goal of a strategic nonviolent campaign is not just to protest against the target, but to systematically identify these pillars and work to erode their support, causing the target's base of power to crumble.
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The Specter of Disruption and the Political Crisis
Mass protest, particularly when it is disruptive (e.g., blocking traffic, sit-ins, boycotts), does more than just raise awareness. It creates a political crisis. It forces a situation where the status quo is no longer tenable and decision-makers are compelled to respond. The authors show how even the *threat* of disruption can be a powerful bargaining chip, giving organizers leverage in negotiations that they would not otherwise have.
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The Whirlwind and the Art of Escalation
The book describes the "whirlwind" as that rare, electrifying moment when a movement suddenly captures the public imagination and explodes in size. While these moments can feel spontaneous, the Englers show that they are often the result of years of patient organizing. They also emphasize the importance of strategic escalation. A successful campaign doesn't start with its most disruptive tactic; it builds pressure over time through a sequence of actions that become progressively more confrontational, giving the target multiple opportunities to concede before the conflict reaches its peak.
How to Leverage for Effective Change Today
The Englers' work provides a practical toolkit for modern movements:
- Map Your Pillars: Before launching a campaign, create a detailed map of your target's pillars of support. Which institutions are most critical to their power? Which are the most vulnerable to pressure? Design your tactics specifically to win over or neutralize these key pillars.
- Embrace the Hybrid Model: Don't see your work as either "organizing" or "protesting." Do both. Use structure-based organizing to build a dedicated base of activists, and then mobilize that base for moments of disruptive action that can shift the political weather.
- Plan for the Whirlwind: Even if a mass uprising seems far off, your organization can prepare for it. Train your members in nonviolent discipline, build relationships with a wide range of allies, and have a clear set of demands ready. When a moment of crisis hits, you will be prepared to lead.