recuperation

With the major weaknesses of non-violent action in mind, it is possible to consider a general framework of option suitable for combating it. <long excerpt about how western gov's typically can't simply brutally repress them> In practical terms the most promising line of approach lies in separating the mass of those engaged in the campaign from the leadership by the judicious promise of concession, at the same time imposing a period of calm by the use of government forces backed up by statements to the effect that most of the concession can only be implemented once the life of the country returns to normal... Having once succeeded in providing a breathing space by these means, it is most important to do three further things quickly. The first is to implement the promised concessions so as to avoid allegations of bad faith which may enable the subversive leadership to regain control over certain sections of the people. The second is to discover and neutralize the genuine subversive element. the third is to associate as many prominent members of the population, especially those who have been engaged in non-violent action, with the government. This last technique is known in America as co-optation and is described by Messrs Hoch and Schoenbach as drowning the revolution in baby's milk.