2.3 Stuck in opposing
Resisting groups can become stuck in opposing, overlooking the need for a positive programme of change. Yet simultaneously they cannot abandon the resistance focus because it is unlikely that the threat from the power they have unseated will disappear entirely – powerful people will keep resisting the resistance. Sinha et al. (2021) therefore propose a ‘trifold focus’ for resisting groups transitioning to power. This means simultaneously:
- Resisting a hostile status quo: Successfully resisting opponents who still hold significant forms of power.
- Subduing resistance from the newly deposed leaders: Being able to predict the resistance that is coming and successfully overcoming it can be a difficult identity shift for resisting groups taking power, but is an essential one if they are to maintain power.
- Building alternatives: Focusing on a positive programme of change can build a more sustainable platform from which to lead into the future.
This trifold focus is a tricky balance to get right in practice, because attention is always split between competing priorities. The key to making it work appears to be keeping the three demands explicit, encouraging colleagues to draw attention to a slippage when priorities are weighted too far in one direction. Here it is possible to loop back to the discussion on constructive dissent. When trying to balance resisting, subduing counter-resistance and building alternatives, it is wise to allow your group plenty of space and freedom to voice disagreement, so that the various tensions at play can be made explicit. On the other hand, too much open dissent means that the group will become incoherent and disorganised – hence the need to make the ethos of open dialogue explicit from the beginning
Activity 2 Transition challenges in practice
Can you think of any examples in your life and work where resistance has faced challenges when assuming power, or at least assuming more responsibility? The example could be from your own direct experience or from your knowledge of the world at large. Make a note of two or three key pieces of advice you would pass on to others based on your experience and/or interpretation of events.
Comment
Resistance groups do sometimes take power, or at least take on more responsibility. The most obvious examples lie in countries under oppressive rule, such as apartheid South Africa, where the resisters, the African National Congress, led by Nelson Mandela, took charge of the country after a concerted campaign of resistance. Examples can be less dramatic, of course, such as employees unseating a bullying boss, and one of their own taking on more responsibility.
Some examples of advice could include:
- Do your homework – make sure you have researched the power that you are resisting so that you are well informed about the counter-resistance you may face.
- Draw up some accountability procedures – make sure that when leaders emerge within your group, you remain agile but also not too dependent on any one person.
- Provide forums for dialogue – foster a culture of difference, where people are free to bring in new perspectives.