The Broken Rifle

Globalising Nonviolence -- this is the theme of this Broken Rifle, and it is the theme of our upcoming conference in July in Germany (mark the dates: 23-27 July). But what do we mean when we say Globalising Nonviolence?

Stellan Vinthagen

Parallel to the official Caracas "policentric" World Social Forum, sponsored by the Chavez government, the national oil company PDVSA and even the Caracas Hilton hotel, an Alternative Social Forum took place, organised by anarchist and anti-authoritarian groups in Venezuela, and without subsidies, without compromises with power. Most participants probably saw it less as a counter-event, but as a welcome addition to the official social forum, and many particpated in both -- including War Resisters' International.

Howard Clark

Jochen Stay

Jochen Stay, who was active in civil disobedience campaigns against the deployment of Pershing-II nuclear missiles in Mutlangen in Germany in the 1980s, and later in the campaigns against nuclear waste shipments in the 1990s and early 2000s, reflects on his experience with mass civil disobedience. In the present situation, it is clear that courageous action is again necessary, but he asks: Is civil disobedience with the participation of thousands of people an appropriate perspective for the peace movement today?

Schloss Eringerfeld

Paderborn, Germany

23-27 July 2006

Participation in the conference costs €200 (registration, accommodation and meals) for individual participants. The fee for representatives of organisations is €250. There a cheaper options (bring your own tent/caravan) available, if you cannot afford the full fee. Please check the registration form, either online or download the PDF version from the conference website.

Are you campaigning against war?

Are you involved in nonviolent direct action or curious to learn more?

The Broken Rifle is the newsletter of War Resisters' International, and is published in English, Spanish, French and German. This is issue 69, March 2006.