Movement Strategy & Escalation Logic
Learn how to make collective decisions about escalation, de-escalation, and tactics to keep actions aligned with community goals and safety.
🗺️ Movement Strategy & Escalation Logic
Info
This course is in Theory & Ethics.
It teaches pods how to collectively decide when to escalate, de-escalate, or withdraw so actions stay aligned with strategy, community safety, and consent — not just adrenaline.
Why It Matters
Escalation without strategy can burn out pods, invite repression, or harm community trust.
Escalation done with purpose, timing, and shared consent can shift power, win visibility, and protect people.
Every pod needs a clear, practiced decision framework to act with discipline under stress.
What You'll Learn
- Risk vs. Impact Analysis – Tools for assessing whether escalation aligns with community goals.
- Consent & Buy-In Protocols – Ensuring all participants understand risks and choices.
- Tactical Escalation – Choosing defensive, disruptive, or symbolic actions based on conditions.
- Strategic De-Escalation – Knowing when to pause, redirect, or retreat without losing momentum.
- Scenario Mapping – Flowcharts and pre-mortem planning for dynamic decision-making.
Risk & Impact Analysis (STAR Framework)
Before deciding to escalate, pods should review:
- Safety: Physical and legal risk for all participants.
- Timing: Is the political or media moment favorable?
- Alignment: Does this serve the pod’s or community’s actual needs?
- Resources: Can the pod handle potential fallout (legal, financial, emotional)?
Escalation Matrix (Examples)
| Tactic | Visibility | Risk | Preparation Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sit-in | High | Medium | Legal briefing & medics |
| Banner Drop | Low | Low | Scout safe anchor points |
| Road Blockade | Very High | High | Arrest support & logistics |
| Vigil or March | Medium | Low | Permits or route planning |
Consent & Collective Buy-In
Ladder of Engagement
- Inform: Everyone knows the plan and potential risks.
- Consult: Feedback is gathered before decisions.
- Co-Create: Decisions are shaped jointly when possible.
- Lead: Only pre-consenting members take high-risk roles.
Red Lines (Set Before Action)
Examples:
- Police escalation beyond a set threshold.
- Any serious injury to a participant.
- Media narrative becoming harmful (doxxing, smear campaigns).
Scenario Mapping Tools
- Pre-Mortem Exercise: “If this action fails, why?” Identify and plan for failure points.
- Branching Plans: “If police push, we shift to X; if crowd thins, we withdraw.”
- Contingency Timers: Reassess every 15 minutes during dynamic actions.
Communication Signals
-
Hand Signals:
- Flat hand rotation = De-escalate
- Fist pump = Escalate to next agreed step
- Hands on head = Emergency extraction
-
Coded Language Examples:
- “Package is ready” = Prepared to escalate
- “Need coffee” = Police movement toward action
Tactical Decision Flow
Quick Action Steps
- Run a STAR analysis (Safety, Timing, Alignment, Resources) before every escalation.
- Agree on red lines and hand signals as a pod before starting.
- Practice the 3-step escalation logic (defensive → disruptive → withdrawal).
- Use 15-minute reassessments during unpredictable actions.
Risks & Red Lines
- Never escalate without clear consent from everyone involved.
- Never pressure people into risk they didn’t agree to.
- Always follow with debrief, legal coordination, and emotional check-ins after escalated actions.
Checklist
- Has practiced at least one scenario planning session.
- Can explain the pod’s red lines and escalation plan from memory.
- Knows all tactical hand signals and codes for their team.
- Has run through both escalation and de-escalation drills.
- Can lead or support a contingency plan if conditions shift suddenly.
Resource Appendix
- Risk Assessment Worksheet (STAR + escalation matrix).
- Consent & Engagement Templates (inform, consult, co-create).
- Signal Posters & Cue Cards (for field teams).
- Case Study Library (successful and failed escalations for lessons).
- Tactical Decision Cards for scenarios (police contact, media surge, opportunity strikes).
📘 Knowledge Check
Why is it dangerous for pods to escalate actions without a clear strategy?
Escalation done with purpose, timing, and consent can help shift power and protect people.
What does the STAR framework stand for when analyzing risk and impact?
Which tactic in the escalation matrix carries very high visibility and high risk, requiring arrest support and logistics?
Red lines, like police escalation beyond a threshold or harmful media narratives, should be agreed upon before actions.
What is the purpose of the “Pre-Mortem Exercise” in scenario planning?
Which communication tools help pods coordinate escalation or de-escalation?
During unpredictable actions, how often should pods reassess their tactics and goals?
Pods should never pressure members into taking risks they didn’t explicitly agree to.
Which steps should pods take to align escalation decisions with strategy and safety?
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