‘Revolution School’ Teaches How to Overthrow a Dictator

August 25, 2011

Logo of the group CANVAS [Centre for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies]

Veterans of the uprising in Serbia, which overthrew President Slobodan Milosevic, are running workshops for opposition groups around the world on how to bring down a dictator

.

On the outskirts of new Belgrade - among Communist-era tower blocks - lies the anonymous-looking office the Centre for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies [CANVAS]. It teaches the science behind forced regime change.

Inside, Srja Popovic runs a School of Revolution.

“Our original idea was to help groups from Zimbabwe and Belarus in 2003 because they were inspired by the Serbian Revolution. It started as a hobby actually, it wasn’t a full time job. And then through time more request were coming, more groups were inspired, the curriculum became more serious,” said Popovic.

Popovic was a leader of the student group ‘Otpor.’ It played a key role in the 2000 revolt that ousted Milosevic. The tactics he learned at that time are now being taught to opposition groups around the world.

A film has been made of the struggle.

Bringing Down a Dictator

now forms part of the Canvas curriculum.

“Normally, Canvas workshops are seven days. First you need to understand that you need a vision of tomorrow, then you teach people the basic principles of success and non-violent struggle," said Popovic. "These are unity, planning, and non-violent discipline, especially stressing the importance of staying non-violent.”