We Can Do Hard Things Why Protest Works—The 3.5% Rule with Erica Chenoweth
11 snips
Jul 8, 2025 
Harvard professor Erica Chenoweth, a leading authority on political resistance, discusses the alarming state of democracy in the U.S. She explains the '3.5% rule', showing how a small, engaged population can drive monumental change. Listeners learn about the power of nonviolent resistance as an underutilized tool against authoritarianism. Chenoweth underscores the importance of civic engagement, analyzing historical protests and their role in influencing public opinion and election dynamics. She inspires hope for reclaiming democratic practices.
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How Democracies Backslide
- Democracy relies on institutions like rule of law, checks and balances, and respect for rights to constrain power.
- Authoritarian backsliding occurs when leaders disregard these constraints and apply laws arbitrarily against opposition.
U.S. Authoritarian Breakthrough
- The U.S. is currently undergoing an authoritarian breakthrough at the national level.
- Some experts plan to downgrade the U.S. from democracy to non-democracy in upcoming studies.
Power of Nonviolent Resistance
- Nonviolent resistance is twice as likely to succeed as violent resistance.
- It mobilizes civilians using accessible, unarmed methods like protests, strikes, and boycotts.
