All around the world, people are taking to the streets again with nonviolent forms of protest. They raise their voices against racism, sexism or the war in Gaza, or advocate for urgent climate action. Dutch writer and historian Lodewijk van Oord takes the reader on a journey through the history of peaceful resistance against war, violence and injustice. He demonstrates how the basic principles postulated by the Ancient comedy writer Aristophanes continue to ring true in our time. Using the theory and practice of Mahatma Gandhi, he examines questions such as: How does nonviolent protest work? What explains the success or failure of a protest movement? Van Oord also seeks to understand why some resistance leaders, such as Nelson Mandela, opted for violence and why peaceful demonstrations sometimes escalate into violence and chaos. What role does the ruling power play in this process? And why is comedy so important to keep the protest alive? Van Oord’s provocative essay allows for a revaluation of the right to rebel against injustice and to fight for a free and just society.