The Power of Hunger Strike: How Do Hunger Strikes Work?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61462/cujss.v54i2.3313Keywords:
Hunger strikes, Self-inflicted protest, Violence, Nonviolent action, Civil resistanceAbstract
This article examines hunger strikes through the compilation and synthesis of various findings. The article discusses on three interrelated issues: First, it argues against the notion that hunger strikes are effective only under certain conditions, such as in democracies or when directed at those who care about a hunger striker. Second, it proposes an explanation for how a hunger strike works. Finally, it explores the factors associated with the success of hunger strikes. The article surveys modern cases of hunger strikes to confirm that they have been employed in diverse contexts. In terms of outcomes, hunger strikes can potentially lead to the granting of demands even under non-democratic contexts. The article suggests that hunger strikes have important working mechanisms, including mobilizing communication interest, inspiring support and sympathy, coercion, and deflecting responsibility status, allowing them to remain effective even when deployed in non-democratic contexts or against those who view the hunger striker as an enemy.
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