How to Change the World

Hidden Brain

Hidden Brain Media

Social Sciences, Performing Arts, Science, Arts

4.6 • 42.5K Ratings

🗓️ 13 April 2026

⏱️ 91 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

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.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Before we get going today, I have an exciting update for you.
0:04.0	Hidden Brain is now on YouTube, not the audio podcast, which will continue to be available
0:10.0	on Apple, Spotify, and your favorite audio podcast player, but as a brand new standalone
0:17.0	video channel. Please check us out. Our first videos include an exploration of the science of bravery,
0:24.3	the secret behind artistic masterpieces,
0:26.9	and a set of ideas to deal with high-pressure situations.
0:30.7	Our handle on YouTube is at Hidden Brain,
0:34.3	or just click the link in the show notes for today's episode.
0:38.1	Again, that's YouTube.com slash at Hidden Brain.
0:43.3	Okay, here's today's show.
0:46.6	This is Hidden Brain. I'm Shankar Vedantam.
0:49.9	To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.
0:56.1	Those are the words of the first U.S. President George Washington
0:59.3	in his inaugural State of the Union address.
1:03.1	George Washington knew a thing or two about war.
1:06.4	Over four decades of military service,
1:08.8	he took part in a number of bloody battles.
1:15.0	Among them was the Battle of Trenton, in which American colonists battled German soldiers
1:20.6	paid to fight for the British. The battle was depicted in the 2000 film, The Crossing.
1:27.7	In scene after scene, the Americans thrust their bayonets into the Germans.
1:33.0	They kill others with cannon and musket fire.
1:36.1	Their enemies repeatedly try to regroup but are forced to flee.
	...

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