Counterpower: Making Change Happen

(Paperback)

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This timely book argues that no major movement has ever been successful without counterpower, or the power that the "have-nots" can use to remove the power of the "haves."

Investigating the history and tactics of major movements of the past and today's global justice and human rights movements, Tim Gee demonstrates what works and what doesn't work. In showing how counterpower can be strategically applied, Gee has created an inspiration for activists and an invaluable resource for teachers and students of social change.

Tim Gee is a writer and communications specialist working with campaigning organizations in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

Reviews

'Tim Gee's book is an important exploration of the power of protest and resistance (Counterpower) to lift the problems of political oppression and corporate capitalism. The historical accounts, including India, how the vote was won in Britain, and briefly Egypt, demonstrate the struggles and achievements of past opposition to the dominant rulers. Gee sees major significance in the cases of grassroots resistance: "The message that comes through is clear: a new recipe for revolution is emerging. And it is altering the way that the world thinks about social change.' "This book is worth your attention.' Gene Sharp, Founder of the Albert Einstein Institution and author of The Politics of Non-violent Action 'This book reframes the language of power in order to tear it apart. Essential reading for young activists.' Laurie Penny, journalist and activist 'From the sources consulted to the quotes used, Counterpower presents a refreshing version of history, for a change told from the perspective of the people on the frontline of making change happen.' Cindy Sheehan, anti-war activist 'Everyone working for a better world would do well to read this book. Social change from below does not happen by accident. It is always the result of hard and constructive work. Counterpower, full of encouraging past examples, is an inspiration for the future.' Bruce Kent, Vice-President, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament 'This is a wonderful, inspiring book. Tim Gee breathes new life into the protest movements of past and present so that we can draw strength from our many victories. There is much to learn here, and much to galvanise us in the struggle for social justice. Now, more than ever, another world is possible.' John Hilary, Executive Director, War on Want 'As the inspiring examples in this book show, it is not only vital for people to oppose injustice and oppression but also to empower ourselves and each other to seek control over our lives and the decision-making in our society. By developing grassroots Counterpower to the rule of governments and corporations we can begin to create an alternative, collective way of running our communities, our workplaces and our world ourselves.' Helen Steel and Dave Morris (The McLibel 2) 'The economics and social system that rules this planet cannot be wished away but must be systematically transformed through focussed strategic action based on effective resistance. The system of capitalism that rules our lives is destroying the basic life support systems of our planet and transferring wealth from the majority to an ever smaller elite. I recommend Counterpower as a powerful contribution to the debate about how we achieve change.' Derek Wall, green economist 'Tim Gee demonstrates a truth that I have long believed: real progressive change does not come from above, but from ordinary people struggling for their rights.' Peter Tatchell, human rights campaigner. 'We find ourselves in one of those historical moments in which time seems to accelerate, things fall apart and everything is up for grabs. Learning from history is essential in times like these, and Counterpower will give you a number of valuable and memorable lessons.' Paul Kingsnorth, author 'One No, Many Yeses'

Author Bio

Tim Gee works with campaigning organisations to support collective campaigns. Projects to date have included helping mobilise 35, 000 people to the streets ahead of the London G20 summit, and World Day for the Eradication of Poverty in which more than 100 million people worldwide participated. He is active with the Climate Camp and numerous grassroots community campaigns. He has an MA in Politics from Edinburgh University, where he was also active in the student movement. Tim has contributed to several campaigning guides and manuals as well as delivering training sessions for activists.