Policy & the Economy
October 2, 2023
How the Electoral College May Curb Election Fraud
This distinctive aspect of American democracy has come under increased scrutiny. But the very quality that most vexes its critics comes with an underrecognized upside.
Georgy Egorov and Konstantin Sonin
September 28, 2023
It’s Election Season. Here Comes the Morally Charged Language.
In the U.S., presidential candidates across the political spectrum lean on value-laden rhetoric—but emphasize different values.
Kobi Hackenburg, William Brady and Manos Tsakiris
April 10, 2023
Are People on Social Media Actually That Outraged?
One reason we think Twitter is such a polarized place: we’re bad at inferring how angry people are from their posts.
William Brady and and coauthors
January 1, 2023
Partisanship Doesn’t Just Color Our View of Facts—It Alters How We Think about Hypotheticals
New research sheds light on how polarization can shape our counterfactual thinking.
Kai Epstude, Daniel J. Effron and Neal J. Roese
December 1, 2022
4 Science-Backed Strategies to Curb Partisan Animosity
Vilification of the other side is at a fever pitch. But research suggests ways to bridge the gap.
Eli J. Finkel and and coauthors
October 28, 2022
Why Are So Many Politicians Embracing Conspiracy Theories?
Conspiratorial thinking has always been attractive in times of uncertainty—but it’s become more mainstream. An expert explains why, and whether anything can be done.
Cynthia S. Wang
October 1, 2022
How We Justify Our Unpopular Opinions
The tactic makes controversial views more palatable to others—and has implications for the rampant spread of fake news.
Leonardo Bursztyn, Georgy Egorov, Ingar K. Haaland, Aakaash Rao and Christopher Roth
October 1, 2022
When Do People Protest and When Do They Just Grumble? History Offers Clues.
A tradition of anti-government uprisings can impact communities centuries later.
Meng Miao and Jacopo Ponticelli
September 28, 2022
China’s Future Will Reflect Russia’s
China learned from Russia’s post-1991 experience and pursued its economic liberalization with more care. But it ultimately could not avoid the political implications of pro-market policies and is now following Russia down the road to autocracy—continuing a century-long pattern of mirroring its neighbor’s historical trajectory.
Nancy Qian
September 6, 2022
One Nation, Too Divided?
Political sectarianism is rampant in the U.S. Three experts discuss whether we can remain united.
Eli J. Finkel, Cynthia S. Wang and James Druckman
September 1, 2022
Could Your Political Views Stymie Your Career?
From being hired to getting a promotion, new research shows you may be penalized for disagreeing politically with the boss.
Emanuele Colonnelli, Valdemar Pinho Neto and Edoardo Teso
July 8, 2022
When Political Discussions Get Heated, Is It Best to Just Stay Out of It?
Keeping your head down when hot-button topics arise could come at a cost to your reputation.
Ike Silver and Alex Shaw
June 8, 2022
Take 5: Democracies and How They Thrive
A look at this form of government at a time when democracy is under stress around the world.
Georgy Egorov, Ameet Morjaria, Sandeep Baliga, Nancy Qian and and coauthors
November 1, 2021
How Much Do Campaign Ads Matter?
Tone is key, according to new research, which found that a change in TV ad strategy could have altered the results of the 2000 presidential election.
Brett Gordon, Mitchell J. Lovett, Bowen Luo and James Reeder
June 1, 2021
Civil Servants Often Work for Administrations They Disagree with Politically. How Does This Affect Their Job Performance?
While the benefits of insulating career bureaucrats are clear, new research explores whether there are downsides, too.
Jörg L. Spenkuch, Edoardo Teso and Guo Xu
February 1, 2021
Do Powerful Politicians Play Favorites with Their Corporate Friends?
A new study examines the power of public scrutiny to keep high-ranking officials in check.
Quoc-anh Do, Yen-Teik Lee, Bang D. Nguyen and Kieu-Trang Nguyen
October 29, 2020
The Political Divide in America Goes Beyond Polarization and Tribalism
These days, political identity functions a lot like religious identity.
Eli J. Finkel and Cynthia S. Wang
October 5, 2020
When Executives Donate to Politicians, How Much Are They Keeping Their Companies’ Interests in Mind?
A new study looks at the motivation behind these donations, which make up nearly a fifth of all political giving.
Edoardo Teso
September 1, 2020
How Did School Desegregation Shape the Political Ideology of White Students Later in Life?
A new study suggests that, more than four decades later, the impact of these policies on political leanings is apparent.
Ethan Kaplan, Jörg L. Spenkuch and Cody Tuttle
August 3, 2020
Why Are Social Media Platforms Still So Bad at Combating Misinformation?
Facebook, Twitter, and users themselves have few incentives to distinguish fact from fiction.
Hatim Rahman
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