A Daoist political leadership approach to nonviolence: The case of Olof Palme

Publication Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-2023

Abstract

This study develops a model of nonviolence leadership based on the prescient insights of the Daoist (Taoist) philosopher Laozi (a.k.a. Lao-tzu). This model is then illustrated in practice via a twentieth century political leader who largely embodied this approach to nonviolence. That leader is , former Prime Minister of Sweden (1969-76; 1982-86). As demonstrated here, Palme’s leadership style closely resembles the Daoist nonviolence leadership model and can serve as an inspiration to others seeking to eliminate violence and to increase peace. As this study concludes, the world might gain significantly were more leaders to adopt a similar approach.

Keywords

Daoism, leadership, nonviolence, Olof Palme, peace, politics

Discipline

Anthropology | Asian Studies | Social History | Sociology

Research Areas

Sociology

Publication

Journal of Pacifism and Nonviolence

First Page

1

Last Page

29

ISSN

2772-7874

Identifier

10.1163/27727882-bja00020

Publisher

Brill

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1163/27727882-bja00020

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