When Do Protests Actually Work? — with Erica Chenoweth

2026-04-09

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Erica Chenoweth, political scientist and professor at Harvard’s Kennedy School, joins Scott Galloway to break down what actually makes protest movements succeed. They discuss why most movements fail, the four factors that drive real change, and why mass mobilization alone isn’t enough. They also unpack the “3.5% rule,” the role of business and institutional power, and whether economic resistance can be more effective than taking to the streets. Also, friendly reminder that we're live on Substac...

Erica Chenoweth, political scientist and professor at Harvard’s Kennedy School, joins Scott Galloway to break down what actually makes protest movements succeed.

They discuss why most movements fail, the four factors that drive real change, and why mass mobilization alone isn’t enough. They also unpack the “3.5% rule,” the role of business and institutional power, and whether economic resistance can be more effective than taking to the streets.

Also, friendly reminder that we're live on Substack.

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