Episode 16: Part 2 — Cultivating Strategic Imagination

What does it take to move from wishing for change to actually creating it?In Part 2 of this conversation with Hahrie Han, Professor of Political Science at Johns Hopkins University, MacArthur Fellow and author of Undivided, host Matt Levinger explores what it takes to turn shared values into lasting change. Building on the story of the Undivided initiative at Cincinnati’s Crossroads Church, Han explains the difference between “performative” action that simply expresses our beliefs and “strategic” action that builds the capacity and commitment “to do what needs to be done.” She discusses the importance of strategic imagination, the essential role of “communities of belonging” in turning stories into action, and why meaningful social change requires more than a single moment of engagement. As Undivided continues to navigate the challenges of race, justice, and political division, Han reflects on a central question: How can we create spaces where people not only imagine a different future, but see themselves as capable of helping build it?Dr. Hahrie Han is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Professor of Political Science at Johns Hopkins University. She served from 2019 to 2026 as the inaugural director of the SNF Agora Institute, where she directs the P3 Lab. She is also a 2025 MacArthur Fellow.Host: Matthew Levinger – Host of the America’s Why Podcast & Nonresident Scholar at the George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs.Guest: Prof. Hahrie Han – Stavros Niarchos Foundation Professor of Political Science at Johns Hopkins University, former inaugural director of the SNF Agora Institute, and a 2025 MacArthur Fellow.Explore more of Prof. Hahrie Han’s work:https://politicalscience.jhu.edu/directory/hahrie-han/https://www.hahriehan.comLearn more about the SNF Agora Institute and P3 Lab:https://snfagora.jhu.edu/https://snfagora.jhu.edu/our-work/labs/p3-lab/Visit our website to learn more about the America’s Why Project and join the conversation:americaswhyproject.comListen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon MusicThe views expressed in the podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent those held by the America’s Why Project team or the George Washington University.