Nonviolent Struggle and Effective Tactics: A Comprehensive Analysis of the otpor Movement

Abstract

This essay thoroughly examines the otpor! movement’s strategic and tactical endeavors from 1998 to 2000, when it played a pivotal role in challenging and eventually overthrowing Slobodan Milošević’s autocratic regime. The paper critically dissects the movement’s strategic and tactical frameworks, elucidating their interconnectedness within nonviolent struggle. Central to otpor!’s effectiveness was its deliberate avoidance of overt political ambitions and alignment with the youth demographic. The movement projected itself as singularly committed to unseating an autocratic leader, countering regime propaganda by foregrounding the nation’s welfare above narrow political interests. The trajectory of the otpor! movement underscores the intricate interplay between strategy and tactics in successful nonviolent movements. By orchestrating a meticulously constructed long-term strategy alongside various innovative tactical maneuvers, otpor! effectively harnessed public sentiment, countered regime dominance and decisively contributed to Serbia’s democratization.