In this episode, we introduce two new conceptualizations of power. First, we look at the urban regime framework, which suggests that groups (regimes) come together to govern collaboratively around collective interests. Second, we discuss democratic understandings of power, which suggests that power should be shared and distributed. Dr. Max Stephens, Professor of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech, joins us for the conversation and walks us through these complex theories.

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Max Stephenson, Jr. currently serves as a Professor of Public and International Affairs and the Director of the Institute for Policy and Governance at Virginia Tech. His research and teaching interests include civil society and democratic theory, social change processes, international development, human rights and refugees and peacebuilding. He is the author or editor of thirteen books or monographs and more than 80 refereed articles and book chapters. He has also authored more than 400 commentaries addressing U.S. and international politics.

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Dr. Stephenson has written widely on how power and agency interact. You can read more of his thoughts here on Soundings.

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The Social Science for Public Good Podcast is a project of the ⁠Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance⁠ and ⁠VT Publishing⁠ intended to make social science theories accessible and available to individuals and organizations seeking to promote social change.

Music: Purple-planet.com