Peacebuilding Through Nonviolence: Lessons from The Search for a Nonviolent Future

Dr. Michael Nagler, Professor Emeritus of Classics and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Berkeley, and a pioneer in the academic study of peacebuilding, shares key insights from his acclaimed book, The Search for a Nonviolent Future. Prof. Nagler argues that modern violence is reinforced by mass media narratives that portray people as separate and competitive, yet he sees society approaching a “nonviolent moment” in which audiences are asking what comes after protest and how to build constructive change. He clarifies that nonviolence is not passivity but a form of power, drawing on examples from behavioral science and on research suggesting nonviolent movements are more effective and faster than violent ones, while also creating long-term social shifts even when they seem to fail in the short run. The discussion highlights constructive programs (with education as a modern equivalent), restorative justice as a relationship-repair approach, and unarmed civilian peacekeeping as an effective on-ground practice, alongside the importance of inner training such as passage meditation to sustain courage and goodwill under pressure. Prof. Nagler also reflects on Gandhi’s principle that means and ends are inseparable, addresses rare high-stakes scenarios through the “escalation curve” idea (act early to preserve nonviolent options), and closes with practical takeaways urging listeners to replace reactive habits with intentional responses and to build constructive alternatives in daily and civic life. This podcast is brought to you by Global Management Consultancy. For more information, please visit www.globalmanagementconsultancy.com. Disclaimer: A. The background music used in this video is the property of its respective developer and is protected by Copyright. Although it is a free version, Business Talk, Global Management Consultancy and Deepak Bhatt do not hold the rights to this music. B. Dr. Michael Nagler offered thoughtful perspectives from his acclaimed book, "The Search for a Nonviolent Future", in his conversation on the Business Talk podcast channel. The uploaded video contains copyrighted material; therefore, any modifications to graphics, music, or the presence of the author or host are strictly prohibited.