Recently, we have experienced a significant resurgence for resistance studies. What complicates this upswing, is the quick transformation of the post-agrarian society. Different forms of governing have evolved historically and successively during different time periods, which has also reshaped progressively the study of both power and dissent. In addition, the current research on resistance is divided into two quite ridged fields – one on social movements and one with a focus on hidden dissent. Thus, two sets of developments call for a further exploration of resistance: (i) the changing world-order and (ii) the gap of complexity in the current scholarship on resistance. In this presentation, we will identify gaps and inconsistencies within the current bulk of research, and, secondly, discuss to the understanding of resistance, its application and complexity.

Overall, the presentation provides a new analytical framework on different interacting and supporting forms of resistance; that is, the ABC of Resistance, which (re)categorize previous concepts and classifications and developing them into a (more coherent) theoretical framework. In what follows, we will discuss three forms of resistance, namely: (i) avoidance, (ii) breaking and (iii) constructive resistance. These three forms together constitute what we would like to name, the ABC of resistance.

Mikael Baaz is a full Professor of International Law as well as an Associate Professor of Political Science and an Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies. He currently works at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, where he serves as Head of Department of the law department, School of Business Economics, and Law.

Mona Lilja currently serves as a professor of Peace and Development Research at the School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Lilja’s area of interest is the linkages between resistance and social change as well as the particularities—the character and emergence—of various forms of resistance. She is the author of the recently published book Constructive resistance: Repetitions, Emotions, and Time (2021).