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Who was Peter Ackerman?
Peter Ackerman was an American businessman, philanthropist and one of the world’s foremost experts on nonviolent action. He was the founder and former chairman of Americans Elect, a political organization that aimed to provide an alternative to the two-party system in the United States. He was also the founding chair of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC), a research and education center that promotes the use of civil resistance to advance human rights and democracy around the world
Ackerman was born and raised in New York City, and received his doctorate in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. There, he studied under Gene Sharp, a pioneer of nonviolent theory and practice. Ackerman’s doctoral thesis, Strategic Aspects of Nonviolent Resistance Movements, examined the nonviolent strategy and tactics used by people who are living under oppression and have no viable military option to free themselves
How did Peter Ackerman contribute to the field of nonviolence?
Ackerman was a prolific writer, producer and activist in the field of nonviolence. He co-authored two books, Strategic Nonviolent Conflict: The Dynamics of People Power in the Twentieth Century and A Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict, which analyzed the history and effectiveness of nonviolent movements in various contexts and regions. He also worked on several documentaries that showcased the power of nonviolent action, such as A Force More Powerful, Bringing Down a Dictator, and Orange Revolution. These films were widely used as educational tools and sources of inspiration for activists and scholars alike
Ackerman also supported and trained nonviolent activists from some of the most prominent social movements of the last two decades, such as the Serbian Otpor movement that overthrew Slobodan Milosevic, the Georgian Kmara movement that ousted Eduard Shevardnadze, the Ukrainian Pora movement that challenged Viktor Yanukovych, and the Egyptian April 6 Youth Movement that toppled Hosni Mubarak. Through his work at ICNC, Ackerman provided resources, guidance and mentorship to hundreds of civil resistance practitioners and educators from more than 100 countries
What was Peter Ackerman’s cause of death?
Ackerman died unexpectedly on April 26, 2022, at the age of 75. The cause of his death was not disclosed by his family or his associates. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Leedom-Ackerman, a novelist and human rights activist, and his two sons, Elliot and Nate, both of whom are writers and former Marines
Ackerman’s death was mourned by many people who admired his vision, passion and generosity. Lise Grande, the president of the United States Institute of Peace, said that “Peter Ackerman believed passionately in promoting peace through support for stable, democratic societies. Through his scholarship, activism and generosity, Peter has contributed enormously to our collective understanding of nonviolent action and transformation.”
Stephen Hadley, a former chair of the USIP board, said that “Few people have been as celebrated by their peers as Peter Ackerman rightfully was. He was a trusted confidant for generations of policy thinkers.”
George Moose, the chair of the USIP board, said that “Peter believed that we could and should learn from history.” Nancy Zirkin, a USIP board member and co-chair of the Institute’s International Advisory Council, said that “Peter understood that the more people knew about the power of nonviolent action, the more they could implement its lessons in their own lives and mission.”
Why is Peter Ackerman’s legacy important?
Peter Ackerman’s legacy is important because he showed the world that nonviolence is not only a moral choice, but also a strategic one. He demonstrated that nonviolent action can be more effective than violence in achieving political and social change, and that ordinary people can make a difference in the face of tyranny and injustice. He also helped to create a global network of nonviolent activists, educators and researchers who continue to advance the theory and practice of civil resistance
Ackerman’s legacy is also important because he challenged the status quo and the conventional wisdom in the fields of politics, security and peace. He advocated for a more participatory and inclusive democracy, a more accountable and transparent governance, and a more peaceful and sustainable world. He inspired many people to think critically, act creatively and live courageously
Peter Ackerman was a nonviolent leader who left a lasting impact on the world. He will be remembered and honored by all those who share his vision and values
