Movements seeking fundamental changes have always lacked the military means and also the means of mass communication of their opponents, and we are no different. In the U.S. the abolitionists, the suffragettes, the 40 hour work week movements, and many others all lacked significant military power but instead had the power of growing numbers, and growing understanding and organization.
We can contest their military might by creating conditions in which for them to exercise violence would cost them more than it would gain them. Why didn’t governments all over the world simply open fire on February 15th? To fire would have spurred more resistance than it curtailed. One counters the massive firepower of the state and other concentrated centers of influence by assembling ever increasing numbers of dissidents who have ever greater commitment and consciousness.