Third Party Non-violent Intervention

Third Party Non-violent Intervention (sometimes called TPNI) refers to the practice of intervening from the outside in violent conflicts with the aim of reducing violence and allowing "space" for conflict resolution. Two common forms of intervention are as an intermediary in a negotiating capacity or, physically, by interposing one's body between two factions.

TPNI work is sometimes be categorized into four main areas:

1. Interpositioning
2. Observation and Documentation
3. Protective Accompaniment
4. Modeling nonviolent behavior in a conflict situation

Examples of groups that espouse this practice are Christian Peacemaker Teams, Muslim Peacemaker Teams, Meta Peace Team, Peace Brigades International and Nonviolent Peaceforce.

Further reading

• Clark, H., 2009. People Power: Unarmed Resistance and Global Solidarity, Pluto Press.
• Mahony, L. & Eguren, L.E., 1997. Unarmed Bodyguards: International Accompaniment for the Protection of Human Rights, West Hartford, Conn: Kumarian Press.
• Moser-Puangsuwan, Y. & Weber, T., 2000. Nonviolent Intervention Across Borders, University of Hawaii Press.
• Duncan, Mel/Mark Zissman/Patrick Savaiano: Nonviolent Peaceforce: A Realistic Choice for the Future, in. Stout, Chris E. (Ed.): The New Humanitarians: Inspirations, Innovations, and Blueprints for Visionaries, Vol. 3, Changing Sustainable Development and Social Justice, Westport CT/London 2009, S. 89-104.