The Unconquerable World: Power, Nonviolence, and the Will of the People

Jonathan Schell

Henry Holt and Company, Jul 7, 2004 - Political Science - 448 pages

"This book mounts perhaps the most impressive argument ever made that there exists a viable and desirable alternative to the continued reliance on war." -The New York Times

At times of global crisis, Jonathan Schell's writings have offered important alternatives to conventional thinking. Now, as conflict escalates around the world, Schell gives us an impassioned, provocative book that points the way out of the unparalleled devastation of the twentieth century toward another, more peaceful path.
Tracing the expansion of violence to its culmination in nuclear stalemate, Schell uncovers a simultaneous but little-noted history of nonviolent action at every level of political life. His investigation ranges from the revolutions of America, France, and Russia, to the people's wars of China and Vietnam, to the great nonviolent events of modern times-including Gandhi's independence movement in India and the explosion of civic activity that brought about the surprising collapse of the Soviet Union.
Suggesting foundations of an entirely new kind on which to construct an enduring peace, The Unconquerable World is a bold book of sweeping significance.

What people are saying

Review: The Unconquerable World: Power, Nonviolence, and the Will of the People

User Review  - Amy - Goodreads

Good intro into nonviolent reforms. The first bit is a little dry, with all the theories of war, etc. but it does help explain why nonviolence can be effective in today's world. Great pieces of world history included as well.

Review: The Unconquerable World: Power, Nonviolence, and the Will of the People

User Review  - Alex Boates - Goodreads

This book defines my worldview on large scale conflict. It is a brilliant depiction put together by a man who really knows his stuff. He is able to step outside a narrow national identity and talk ...

About the author

Author of groundbreaking works, including The Fate of the Earth, The Village of Ben Suc, and The Gift of Time (0-8050-5961-X), Jonathan Schell is a regular contributor to Harper's, Foreign Affairs, and The Nation. He lives in New York City.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Unconquerable World: Power, Nonviolence, and the Will of the People
• Author: Jonathan Schell
• Edition: reprint, revised
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, 2004
• ISBN: 0805044574, 9780805044577
• Length: 448 pages
• Subjects: Political Science / Comparative Politics; Political Science / History & Theory; Political Science / International Relations / Diplomacy; Political Science / Peace; Political Science / Political Process / Elections