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ONM leads constructive thought, strategy and action for freedom, human dignity and security in an uncertain world
The Organization for Nonviolent Movements is an international NGO based in Paris, France. Our work is to show that there exists a “narrow, dangerous, uncertain but very real path towards a better world”, in the words of French graphic novelist Xavier Dorison. That path is nonviolent action, a constructive and feasible project with little-examined potential for building resilience particularly within nonmilitary sectors of a society.
Our work is neither aspirational nor a call for martyrdom. It is pragmatic and grounded in social science research. In Europe’s not-so-distant history, as well as presently in Ukraine, ordinary people achieve the extraordinary when their freedom, human dignity, and peace of mind are threatened–even without weapons. Nonviolent action is not a panacea, but its lasting impacts throughout history are undeniable.
Instead of fear mongering, ONM chooses to recognize and affirm fertile human agency in unsteady times. We do so by promoting unarmed civilian-based defense preparedness to complement existing strategies. Our work has steadily gained recognition in the French and European defense establishment (keep an eye out for details about our panel at the 2026 Paris Defense and Security Forum next March!).
We spark knowledge production, share resources, build cross-sector dialogue, and engage in public affairs. Our mission: To expand strategic thinking, capabilities and moral determination such that nonmilitary sectors and ordinary people can play an affirmative role in national defense.