What term is used to describe non-threatening and non-compliant behavior?

The correct term to describe non-threatening and non-compliant behavior is passive resistance. This term accurately encapsulates the phenomenon where an individual does not actively engage in physical resistance or confrontation but still refuses to comply with requests or directives. Passive resistance often manifests as a lack of cooperation or an unwillingness to follow instructions, yet it does not create a dynamic of aggression or threat.

In contrast, active resistance refers to behavior that is aggressive or confrontational, often involving physical actions that oppose law enforcement requests. Assertive behavior typically implies a straightforward and confident way of expressing one’s opinions or rights, which is more direct than non-compliance. Cooperative interaction involves actively participating and complying with requests, which clearly differs from passive resistance. Thus, passive resistance is precisely the term that describes the condition of being non-threatening while still choosing not to comply.