

Omar Wasow
Professor of political science at UC Berkeley, and author of a paper on the history of 1960s protests.
Top 5 podcasts with Omar Wasow
Ranked by the Snipd community

15 snips
Apr 26, 2024 • 55min
A Political Scientist on How Protests Can Change Minds or Backfire
Omar Wasow, a political science professor at UC Berkeley and a key voice on the history of protests, shares insights on the current wave of protests sweeping across college campuses in response to the Gaza war. He discusses how the dynamics of protests have evolved since the 1960s, highlighting the impact of media coverage on public opinion. Wasow explains why some protests succeed while others backfire, and the critical role of peaceful activism in shaping societal change. His analysis draws parallels between past and present movements, shedding light on strategies for effective engagement.

7 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 53min
The Resistance vs. Trump 2.0 with Omar Wasow
Omar Wasow, an associate professor of political science at UC Berkeley, dives into the dynamics of modern protests and their impact on democracy. He discusses the grassroots No Kings protests and their inclusive nature. Wasow analyzes how media representation of protests varies and highlights the 'attention trap' facing activists. They also consider the legacy of platforms like Black Planet and the challenges in addressing systemic inequities in protest responses. The conversation connects historical movements to current political actions, emphasizing the necessity of civic engagement.

Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 17min
Dramatize the Injustice
In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Omar Wasow, a political scientist at UC Berkeley, dives into the dynamics of protests and their impact on public opinion. He explores the balance between expression and persuasion, revealing how civil rights protests in the 1960s reshaped political landscapes. Dr. Wasow shares insights on storytelling as a persuasive tool, the importance of nonviolent strategies, and how today's media environment mirrors the past. His analysis of protests' effectiveness highlights the need for organization in converting viral moments into sustainable change.

Oct 16, 2025 • 55min
Are You Going to a 'No Kings' Protest? And The Benefits of a 'Best' Friend
Omar Wasow, a political science expert at UC Berkeley, discusses the surge of the No Kings protests, touching on the dynamics of social movements and effective protest tactics. Vox correspondent Allie Volpe and UCLA's Jaimie Arona Krems dive into friendship research, highlighting the emotional benefits of naming a best friend and how it combats loneliness. They also explore the complexities of friendship dynamics, including risks and the societal roles of best friendships in adulthood.

Jun 12, 2025 • 56min
What Protests of the Past Can Teach Us About Protests of Today
Omar Wasow, an assistant professor at UC Berkeley specializing in protest movements, and Andrew Couts, a cybersecurity editor at WIRED, delve into the dynamics of activism. They discuss the historical context of protests, emphasizing the lessons learned from past movements like the civil rights era. The conversation examines the emotional complexities of protests today, the impact of surveillance technology, and strategies for nonviolent demonstrations. They also explore how modern media shapes public perception and the importance of inclusivity in activism.