The 4 Arenas

Wherever power is being expressed, we should be able to express power.

The 4 Arenas methodology is our approach to the different aspects of political engagement. It is both practical and aspirational. We believe there should be a coordinated, strategic approach in the first three transitional arenas which should culminate in the establishment of the fourth. The purpose of participating in the three transitional arenas is to extract maximum value and material to deposit and invest in the development of the fourth arena. The process involves engagement and extraction from all three arenas in order to reach our aspirations of self-governance and self-determination.

Response  

This is the arena that provides the necessary immediate and swift response to injustice. This has historically been expressed in a wide range of activities, including protest, direct action, forms of civil disobedience, riots, uprisings, and boycotts.  It is vital for us to be present and competent in this arena, but it is not sufficient to exist or act only here. This is only one step in a coordinated, transitional strategy which must lead to self-determination. 

Relief

This has typically been called the “Reform” arena. We are reframing this to be clear that any concessions forced through engagement in the Response arena only leads to temporary relief. This has historically been expressed through participation in electoral processes, advocating for legislation, and participating in the non-profit industrial complex. This is rooted in the understanding that a concession under predatory governance is only a temporary reprieve designed to stall, misdirect, and allow for regrouping for the purpose of further predatory attacks. There is considerable extractable value in this arena when engaged in coordination with a transitional strategy leading toward the fourth arena. 

Resolution

This is the arena that is typified by the focus on fundamental change of power holders, systems, and ideologies. This has historically been expressed through concepts and ideologies like revolution, repatriation, separation, integration, and assimilation. This arena demands more attention. Although this is a vital step in the process and often seen by many as the final step, this is just one part of the coordinated, transitional strategy leading to the fourth arena. 

Governance

This is the arena that represents the fulfillment of our aspiration for self-determination. The fulfillment of this can be characterized by the "control of the means of production" and efficacy in all 9 areas. This is rooted in the principle that process creates product. Our ability to survive, sustain, and prosper is directly linked to our capacity to produce for our needs on our own terms.