For this chapter we first review research on the characteristics of persons who endorse nonviolence, some of the ways that this disposition can be measured and some of the ways that people can be encouraged to adopt this approach. Not everyone who is disposed to behave nonviolently as an individual is motivated to join some kind of nonviolent social movement. Thus the second part of the chapter provides a review of research on the circumstances that move people to take action and on the characteristics of effective peace movements.

Nonviolence

A general introduction to nonviolence is provided by Kool (1993) in an edited book on Nonviolence: social and psychological issues. He notes that the multidimensional attributes of nonviolence (e.g. justice and caring) are too complex for the existing overly simple models of psychology. The book examines several of the psychological issues that are related to nonviolence: rules of war and nonviolent action, transforming myths, moral concerns and exclusion, power orientations, obstacles to peace and variations across cultures (see also, Mattaini, 2002).

An edited book by Danieli (2002) discusses, develops and advocates specific policies and practices to enable peacekeepers, humanitarian aid workers and the media in the midst of crises to serve effectively and safely. The book includes suggestions for pre-mission selection, assignment and training, support during the mission and post-mission assistance and counselling.