The Politics of Gene Sharp ● 201 July–September 2013 The Politics of Gene Sharp Brian Martin ABSTRACT Gene Sharp’s contributions to the understanding of nonviolent action provide a useful lens for understanding developments in the field in recent decades. Sharp built on Gandhi’s pioneering endeavours, but moved away from Gandhi by providing a pragmatic rationale for nonviolent action. Three important contributions by Sharp are his classification and cataloguing of methods of nonviolent action, his consent theory of power and his framework for understanding nonviolent campaigns. However, few academics have paid much attention to Sharp’s work, and policy-makers have largely ignored it. In contrast, activists have taken up Sharp’s ideas enthusiastically. Sharp is an imposing figure in the field of nonviolent action. Scholars and activists can learn from him, but also need to question and build on his ideas. Key words: Gene Sharp; nonviolent action; scholars; activists; policy- makers GENE SHARP IS THE world’s foremost thinker on nonviolent action. Some nonviolence scholars regard him so highly that even the slightest criticism is resented. On the other hand, some left-wing critics paint him as a tool of US foreign policy. Meanwhile, few members of the public have even heard of him. Sharp’s public profile increased following the Arab spring, especially the toppling of the government in Egypt. In January and February 2011, a popular uprising challenged Hosni Mubarak, who had ruled the country with an iron fist for 30 years, brutally repressing resistance to his dictatorial control. The regime was supported by most foreign governments, most importantly by those of the United States, Israel and Arab states; outside support for opposition was minimal. Gandhi Marg Quarterly 35(2): 201–230 © 2013 Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi http://gandhipeacefoundation.org/