
The authors detail how power-old, new, or a combination of both-is now exercised by people, companies, and movements to quietly shape our lives in impactful ways. Using online engagement, crowdsourcing, and peer-to-peer approaches, new power offers a fresh means of participation and a “heightened sense of agency” for all involved. New power relies on connectivity and the desire to participate and collaborate, as in Uber, Airbnb, and Facebook (as well as protest movements like Occupy and Black Lives Matter and terrorist groups like the Islamic State). Old power, write the authors, depends on expertise and what you own or control, as in Fortune 500 companies. Heimans, CEO of Purpose, which “builds and supports social movements,” and Timms, executive director of the 92nd Street Y, debut with an illuminating discussion of how technology and our rising expectations have enabled us to achieve our goals on a greater-than-ever scale.



A study of the “new power” made possible by connectivity.
