All over the world and throughout history, music has been a vital part of affecting social and political change. At times the powers-that-be resists that change by oppressing the arts and the artists. Can music bring about social and political change? How has music shaped politics historically and today? Maria Armoudian discusses these questions with Mark LeVine, Josh Kun, and Richard Flacks.

Mark LeVine is a Professor of Middle Eastern History at the University of California Irvine. He is an expert in Middle East history and culture, and his publications include Heavy Metal Islam: Rock, Resistance, and the Struggle for the Soul of Islam.

Josh Kun is an Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Southern California. He is an expert in popular music, race, and ethnicity, and his publications include Audiotopia: Music, Race, and America.

Richard Flacks is a Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is a sociologist, and his publications include Playing for Change: Music and Musicians in the Service of Social Movements.

Podcast:

 

This interview originally aired on the Scholars’ Circle. To access our archive of episodes and download this interview, click here.

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Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this podcast reflect the views of the guests and not necessarily the views of The Big Q. 

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