Effective for Whom? Ethnic Identity and Nonviolent Resistance

A growing literature finds that nonviolence is more successful than violence in effecting political change. We suggest a focus on this association incomplete, because it obscures the crucial influence of ethnic identity campaign outcomes. argue prevalent negative stereotypes associating minority groups with violence, such are perceived as violent even when resisting nonviolently, increasing support for their repression and ultimately hampering success. show that, cross-nationally, effect outcomes significantly moderated by ethnicity, success only dominant groups. then test our argument using two experiments United States Israel. Study 1 nonviolent resistance minorities requiring policing identical majorities. 2 replicates extends results, leveraging wave racial justice protests across US June 2020 to find white participants less Black protesting same goals. These findings highlight importance shaping perceptions outcomes, underscoring obstacles widespread biases pose mobilization.