Praise for Rules of Activism

Nonviolent movement building is one of the greatest of 20th-century inventions, a way for the powerless to stand up to the powerful. But we don’t study it systematically—there’s no West Point for activists. That makes a book like this, rich in detail and history, tremendously useful to everyone trying to make change happen.

—Bill McKibben, founder of climate crisis group 350.org and author of The End of Nature

Surprisingly, there are relatively few books about protest movements with a practical, activist’s orientation. Charles Euchner has developed fifteen helpful Rules of Activism that will inform and motivate anyone with a practical interest in protest, from beginners to seasoned organizers.

—Jeff Goodwin, New York University

This enticing, informative, and beautifully composed book not only captures the essence of activism but provides a powerful guide for those who wish to become active in the political and social arena. Euchner uses his in-depth understanding of activism across the centuries – drawing on a spectacular range of examples – to bring to life the importance of activism in any democracy.

—Barry Bluestone, Northeastern University (Emeritus)

Wow! It’s superb! Timely, readable, clear, extensive, a mix of theory and wonderfully textured examples and case studies. Reading through it, I realized that in my neck of the woods, academic political theory, there is a dearth of literature on activism as such, and certain no comprehensive field guide. Oh, there have been some abstruse theoretical renderings, but nothing with a go-to, can-do comportment that doesn’t compromise one’s intellectual chops …  I don’t think they make the transition from theory to action in the way that you have.

—John Seery, professor of political science at Pomona College and author of Political Theory for Mortals

Independent, anonymous reviewers agree. For example:

The book reminded me of the niche that Saul Alinsky’s work has filled for more than 50 years—and it’s well worth updating. Rules for Radicals was often the first exposure to activist literature that young people read, and it offered simple and usable lessons. But Alinsky’s approach was based on community organizing in Chicago. Euchner’s interests are somewhat broader, and his lessons should be relevant to a broader scope of activism.

Here’s another anonymous review:

Charles Euchner’s “field guide” on political activism offers a very engaging, insightful, and user-friendly synthesis of a vast body of previous theory and research. Euchner is a gifted writer who knows how to explain major concepts well and to hook readers with captivating narratives. … My hunch is that this book has the potential to be particularly helpful and interesting to Gen Zers who are quite activist in orientation (think March for our Lives, Black Lives Matter, Dreamers, and the Sunshine movement), but also generally lack a strong understanding of important historical parallels.

And another:

This book situates individuals in groups, organizations, movements and emphasizes the “long struggle” and capacity building for movements to get off the ground. It delivers the critical message that movements are more than high-profile leaders and bundles of aggrieved people. The book is well-tailored to student interests. The cases covered are relevant and interesting for students eager to understand how activism can make a difference.