Joseph Brown is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Boston. He researches political conflict, including protest, state repression, and terrorism. His book, Force of Words: The Logic of Terrorist Threats (Columbia University Press 2020) is a detailed study of how violent non-state actors use threats to achieve their political aims. He completed his Ph.D. at Columbia University.

About the Show

The Nonviolent Action Lab Podcast brings you the latest research, insights, and ideas on how nonviolent action can — or sometimes fails — to transform injustice. Each week we welcome experts from the field, scholars, organizers, and advocates to discuss nonviolent movements around the world. 

About the Lab

Nonviolent resistance movements defended democratic values and institutions throughout the 20th century and into the 21st. However, the trend seems to have shifted. Over the past decade, authoritarian backsliding has occurred across the globe and mass movements demanding democracy have been defeated in about 90% of cases since 2010.

The Nonviolent Action Lab, led by Professor Erica Chenoweth and housed at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, is an innovation hub for activists, researchers, and supporters who share common goals around defending and advancing democracy worldwide through nonviolent movements. 

Learn more about the Nonviolent Action Lab at ash.harvard.edu/nonviolent-action-lab

Music Credit: Inquisitive Explorer Documentary - Pond5