"You cannot import social change. But the knowledge can be transferred."

As someone who claims to be interested in the history of democracy and its modern fortunes, I must admit I have neglected to pay sufficient attention to the work of Gene Sharp, author of the Internet "bestseller" From Dictatorship to Democracy, which has been part of the mix in several anti-authoritarian revolutions since it was written in 1993. There is an interesting article about Mr. Sharp, his work, and his influence in of all places the Wall Street Journal. Thanks to Laura Rozen at War and Piece, one of the most valuable news blogs around, for bringing my attention to this again. She also refers to some of her own earlier articles on Mr. Sharp, which are here and here.