The principle of nonviolence, also known as nonviolent resistance, rejects the use of physical violence to achieve social or political change. History shows that the success of peaceful social transformation depends largely on individuals who are charismatic, knowledgeable, skilled in the strategies and methods of nonviolence (Tolstoy, Gandhi, King, Chavez, Walesa, Dalai Lama, Louise Patterson, Menchu and others). Gene Sharp coined the term revolutionary nonviolence in the 20th century and transformed the meaning of the nonviolence from the passive to an active agent as a framework for creating peace.

This conference seeks to explore, analyse and discuss the complex concept of nonviolence as a strategy toward peace and progress. It will apply an interdisciplinary approach to various manifestations of nonviolence and will also act as an academic space to explore solutions for creating peace.

Conference presentations will be related, but not limited, to:

Theories of nonviolence

History of nonviolence

Nonviolence and religion

Nonviolence and philosophy

Nonviolence and peace studies

Nonviolence and literature

Nonviolence and media

Nonviolence and art

Nonviolence and culture

Nonviolence and activism

Nonviolence and politics

Icons of nonviolence

Teaching nonviolence

The conference will bring together scholars from different fields including philosophy, religion, sociology, international relations, history, literature, art, peace studies, cultural studies, political studies and others.

Submissions may propose various formats, including:

* Individually submitted papers (organised into panels by committee)

* Panels (3-4 individual papers)

* Roundtable discussions (led by one of the presenters)

* Posters

Proposals up to 250 words and a brief biographical note should be sent by 1 February, 2019 to: violence.society@lcir.co.uk. Download Paper proposal form from the official website: http://violence.society.lcir.co.uk/.

Standard registration fee – 220 GBP
Student registration fee – 180 GBP

Provisional conference venue: Birkbeck, University of London, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7HX, UK