A Daoist political leadership approach to nonviolence: The case of Olof Palme

• Main Author: JOSHI, Devin K.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2023
• Subjects: Daoism; leadership; nonviolence; Olof Palme; peace; politics; Anthropology; Asian Studies; Social History; Sociology
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/3842
• Institution: Singapore Management University

This study develops a model of nonviolence leadership based on the prescient insights of the Daoist (Taoist) philosopher Laozi (a.k.a. Lao-tzu). This model is then illustrated in practice via a twentieth century political leader who largely embodied this approach to nonviolence. That leader is , former Prime Minister of Sweden (1969-76; 1982-86). As demonstrated here, Palme’s leadership style closely resembles the Daoist nonviolence leadership model and can serve as an inspiration to others seeking to eliminate violence and to increase peace. As this study concludes, the world might gain significantly were more leaders to adopt a similar approach.