In this public lecture, Kumi Naidoo looks at what justifies non-violent direct action, and discuss when and why it should be deployed. Dr Naidoo draws on recent campaigns such as last year’s protest at an Arctic oil drilling rig, which saw activists arrested by Russian authorities and held for 100 days, and the anti-apartheid struggle he was part of in his home country, South Africa. He addresses the issue of environmental governance and the challenges of dealing with climate change in Africa. This video was recorded at the Centre of African Studies Annual Lecture in May 2014, at SOAS, University of London.

Dr Kumi Naidoo is the Executive Director of Greenpeace International. In addition to leading the organisation to critical campaign victories and augmenting its influence in international political negotiations, Naidoo has been responsible for promoting considerable growth and activity by Greenpeace in the Global South. He has also been influential in fostering further cooperation between Greenpeace and many diverse parts of civil society in the fight to avert catastrophic climate change and promote environmental justice.

Q&A after the lecture:

Further resources:

Governance in Africa Conversations interview with Kumi Naidoo (recorded at SOAS, May 2014)