Escalation

Escalation is the “ [progressive] increase in the means used in a conflict.” -Usito

Through increasingly ambitious, disruptive actions, escalation can take shape. This leads to polarization which forces the population to take a position, and hopefuly act, on an issue. - The HUB

Stages of escalation

Bring the issue into the public arena	Protest (i.e. demonstrations, petitions, marches) Presenting alternatives (i.e. teach-in lectures).
Legal actions that deal with the issue	Legal non-cooperation (i.e. strikes, consumer boycotts). Legal innovative activities (i.e. fair trade, cooperative businesses, nonviolent intervention).
Illegal actions that deal with the issue	Civil disobedience (i.e. sit-ins, blockades, strikes, war resistance). *Note that not all forms of civil disobedience are illegal.

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