Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams How 3.5% of People Can Change Everything
Oct 30, 2025
In this conversation, political scientist Erica Chenoweth, author of "Why Civil Resistance Works," dives into the power of nonviolent civil resistance. She reveals her groundbreaking 3.5% rule, showing that if just 3.5% of a population engages in sustained action, they can drive significant change. Erica discusses effective tactics like protests, strikes, and economic boycotts, highlighting that nonviolent methods often attract broader participation. She also addresses the challenges posed by misinformation and the importance of local, cross-partisan organizing.
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Personal History With Boycotts
- Stacey Abrams recounts boycotts in her family and her college decision to boycott Raisin Bran Crunch.
- She ties these personal acts to broader movements like the United Farm Workers strikes and their long-term effects.
3.5% As A Historical Threshold
- Sustained nonviolent civil resistance can tip outcomes when enough people participate.
- Erica Chenoweth observes a historical threshold where movements reaching ~3.5% never failed in their dataset.
Broaden Your Movement Toolkit
- Use a variety of tactics beyond street protests, including strikes, boycotts, and mutual aid.
- Build alternative institutions and community support to sustain pressure and provide services the state won't.
