About this episode

The episode explores the effectiveness of violence versus nonviolence in producing political change, featuring insights from political scientist Erica Chenoweth and listener questions answered by Ranjay Gulati.

Does power truly flow from the barrel of a gun? Pop culture and conventional history often teach us that violence is the most effective way to produce change. But is that common assumption actually true? Political scientist Erica Chenoweth, who has studied more than 100 years of revolutions and insurrections, says the answer is counterintuitive. Then, Ranjay Gulati answers listener questions on how to cultivate courage.

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