Articles tagged with Democracy
A new study finds that personal attacks in politics are strongly associated with greater media coverage, but show no correlation with fundraising or policy success. Researchers discovered an asymmetric pattern of conflict entrepreneurs, who use antagonistic rhetoric to gain media attention and become 'media celebrities'.
The report highlights three major trends in democratic backsliding: democratic backsliding in stable democracies, reversals in democratized countries, and deepening autocracy in existing autocracies. Freedom of Expression and liberal aspects of democracy show the most drastic declines globally.
A new study by USC researchers found that AI agents can autonomously coordinate propaganda campaigns without human direction, amplifying false narratives and distorting public discourse. The agents learn from each other's successes and adopt tactics to create the appearance of consensus, making it harder to detect disinformation.
A new report from Johns Hopkins University and Millions of Conversations finds that US history is more polarizing by generation than by race or ideology. Older generations tend to admire early American history, while younger generations favor contemporary social justice movements.
A new pilot study in Long Beach found that heightened federal immigration enforcement is undermining democratic participation, even among U.S. citizens who fear for undocumented family members. The study identified three critical barriers: climate of fear, knowledge gaps, and practical constraints.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that US political divisions increased by 64% from 1988 to 2024, with most of the change coming after 2008. The shift was driven by liberal Americans moving in a more progressive direction on social and political issues.
Researchers warn that AI-controlled personas, mimicking humans, can tilt elections through coordinated narratives and persuasive messages. The next election may be the proving ground for this technology, threatening democratic discourse.
A new study from Northwestern University found that economic insecurity substantially declines support for democratic principles, even among those who claim strong support. The study's findings suggest that messaging focused on abstract democratic ideals may not resonate with voters unless tied to economic concerns.
A new book by Uppsala University researchers reveals the secrets behind Nordic mediators' success in resolving conflicts. The authors analyze over 75 years of Nordic mediation experiences and introduce a new model for assessing successful results.
A new tool reorders content to downrank posts containing antidemocratic attitudes and partisan animosity, reducing polarization. Users who had such content downranked showed more positive views of the opposing party, with a noticeable impact on their emotional responses.
A new study by University of Exeter's Elections Centre finds that small changes in voter turnout can significantly impact election outcomes due to the UK's multiparty system. The research reveals a fragmented electorate with diverse preferences, leading to increased instability and competitiveness in constituencies.
Researchers analyzed Facebook posts from populist parties in 13 European countries and found they often use controversial issues and anti-liberal language. These tactics are used to steer public discussion away from problem-solving and instead create division in society.
The University of Copenhagen has launched a new AI Package to strengthen its research in artificial intelligence and make it more accessible to society. The package aims to bring together various initiatives and research centers across the university to develop AI in a responsible, sustainable, and democratic way.
A study from Linköping University reveals that Ukraine's ability to maintain public services during the war can be attributed to the collaboration between citizens and authorities. The researchers highlight the importance of trust within society in creating a robust and credible response to crises like war.
Researchers highlight how Ukraine's decentralization reforms empowered local communities to resist war and maintain society's functioning. Studies reveal how grassroots efforts, such as volunteering and participatory budgeting, helped keep essential services running despite extreme losses.
The Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey finds that Americans' knowledge of civics has increased, with over two-thirds able to name all three branches of government. However, trust in the Supreme Court continues to deteriorate, with nearly 60% holding little or no trust.
Research reveals female candidates are less likely to receive media coverage and have fewer retweets than male counterparts. To overcome the gender penalty, experts argue that women need to invest more resources and skills in their campaigns.
A new study by Dr. Ekaterina Kolpinskaya found that Anglicans are disproportionately stable in their affective and electoral support for the Conservative Party, acting as a 'pocket of resistance' to changes in partisan politics. This suggests that religion continues to be socially and politically influential in modern Britain.
A new study reveals that civil servants who support the ruling party are more likely to stay engaged, while others tend to leave or disengage, leading to a less diverse and politicized civil service. This shift threatens the competence, neutrality, and public trust of the civil service.
Research by the University of Exeter finds that youth volunteering encourages young men from disengaged homes to vote for the first time. However, this effect is not observed for young women from similar backgrounds. Volunteering effectively reduces socio-economic inequalities in voter turnout among young people.
A study by the SmartVote project reveals a growing social concern about information manipulation, with far-right parties being major sources of false content on social networks. The report highlights the need to improve media literacy to combat disinformation and its impact on democratic quality.
A new study finds that emphasizing widely supported public service efforts and redefining what it means to be part of a group can increase the perceived legitimacy of controversial civil organizations. The research tested different messaging strategies on over 1,600 Jewish Israeli participants, using real-world examples from a delegiti...
A study by Ritsumeikan University found that Hezbollah's political communication is shaped by institutional constraints and strategic considerations in Lebanon's consociational democracy. The party adopted a more critical stance during crises but became more cooperative with rivals after diplomatic relations were restored.
A study by Complexity Science Hub found that in 7.54% of DAOs, a single contributor controlled decisions due to concentrated governance tokens. This raises concerns about the true level of democracy in these organizations, which aim to distribute power and promote fairness and transparency.
A study found that journalism engagement training reduced the prevalence of 'horse race' stories and boosted more substantive, community-oriented content. The training program, Democracy SOS, worked with journalists and news outlets across the country to promote solutions-focused coverage and increase transparency.
A study finds that engaging with balanced facts on gun control leads to more moderate policy views, even a month later. The research challenges the idea that people become entrenched in their views due to information, suggesting that accurate information can promote a healthier discourse and depolarize individuals.
The Annual Antisemitism Worldwide Report found that despite a decline in the antisemitic wave after the war, levels remained significantly higher than before. Countries such as Australia, Italy, and Canada reported record-high numbers of incidents, with notable increases in physical assaults in France.
Researchers argue that news media have failed to critically scrutinize Big Tech's impact on society. Alexandra Schwinges suggests a 'software update' for journalism, focusing on data journalism and cross-border collaboration to safeguard democratic values like transparency and accountability.
A majority of Americans support the role of courts and Congress as checks on presidential power, with high trust in institutions and a desire for judicial independence. Trust in the U.S. Supreme Court has declined since the 2022 Dobbs decision, but remains higher than other branches of government.
A recent study found that politicians with narcissistic, psychopathic, or Machiavellian traits contribute to greater hostility towards opponents and deepen emotional divides. The researchers suggest that these 'dark' leaders pose risks to democratic processes by weakening public discourse and social cohesion.
Philip Kitcher, a renowned Anglo-American philosopher, has received the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Humanities category. He is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to philosophy, particularly in the areas of biology and democracy.
A global study of over 66,000 participants reveals that younger digital natives, conservatives, and those with lower education levels are more likely to fall for misinformation. The research underscores the importance of understanding who is most at risk to develop effective strategies for counteracting fake news.
Researchers found that both left- and right-wing users in Japan accepted and propagated pro-China illiberal narratives. The study suggests that cultural aversion to protests distorts understanding of overseas pro-democracy movements, fostering attitudes favorable toward authoritarian systems.
A study found that respondents who received information about democratic backsliding in the US had a less favorable view, but policy support remained unchanged. The research team also discovered that an economic downturn did not influence global public opinion, highlighting the complexities of soft power and US foreign policy.
A new study reveals Japanese citizens broadly susceptible to illiberal narratives, posing risks to Japan's political discourse. The research found that illiberal narratives exert a stronger influence than mainstream democratic messaging.
A new study by Binghamton University researchers suggests that individuals who identify as alt-right tend to be 'system justifiers' driven to maintain the status quo. These individuals believe that traditionalism facilitates order and are drawn to alt-right ideologies as an antidote to perceived or real insecurity.
The world is facing critical challenges like climate change and inequality, which require international cooperation. However, scientific freedom is under threat due to illiberal and authoritarian governments, economic power, and digital media. FAPESP has played a crucial role in defending scientific freedom in Brazil.
A recent study by Rosa Kindt found that participatory budgets and referendums can increase trust in democracy among citizens, particularly those with populist views. Right-wing populists who participated in these initiatives reported a positive experience, appreciating the opportunity to share their opinions with other citizens.
A new paper by Laura Gamboa analyzes Venezuela's 25-year evolution, highlighting the importance of leveraging institutional spaces during democratic erasure. The study shows that using both radical strategies and institutional tactics can be effective in resisting authoritarian regimes.
A new study by the University of Notre Dame found that diverse understandings of democracy among voters can lead to votes for authoritarian-leaning political leaders. Voters who supported democracy in principle but adhered less strongly to liberal democratic norms were more likely to tolerate democratic violations.
A study by UC3M and CSIC found that Spanish politicians respond less to women's demands compared to men's, with a significant gender gap in policy responsiveness. The research suggests that women's lower involvement in lobbying activities may be the primary cause of this disparity.
A UC Riverside study finds that democratic systems of government lead to higher participation by women in the labor market. Women who lived in democracies during their adolescence years were more likely to join the workforce than those under autocracies or dictatorships.
A study published in Political Science Research & Method found that around one in six people falsely recall the party affiliation of a politician, with those who admire a hero more likely to see it as their own party. Researchers say this projection could be fuelling polarisation in politics.
The 2025 Academic Freedom Index reveals that eight countries have higher academic freedom, while 34 countries have declined. Anti-pluralist parties' electoral success is linked to lower academic freedom, particularly when they join the government.
Historical analysis of bureaucracy suggests that quality nation-building holds more importance than democratic institutions in economic growth. The study found a negative correlation between universal suffrage and the quality of current institutions in nations with low-quality bureaucracies.
Research from the University of Kansas found that social media did not bridge gaps between feminist groups and traditional Algerian thought, instead promoting violence and oppression. Despite having common goals, women faced misogyny and marginalization online.
The Institut Pasteur is committed to defending scientific facts and integrity, joining the global Stand Up for Science initiative. Professor Yasmine Belkaid emphasizes the universality of science, its foundation for humanity's understanding and response.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers finds that Chinese contractors win significantly more contracts in authoritarian countries with similar economic profiles to China. In contrast, democratic countries with strong institutions limit business opportunities for Chinese firms.
Goethe University has joined Bluesky as a central social media communications channel to promote university life, research, and career opportunities. The move aims to escape problematic communication practices on X (formerly Twitter), favoring fact-based cooperation and democratic discourse.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a social studies curriculum that taught fourth graders 'civic competencies,' including disciplinary thinking and argumentation skills. The results showed significant improvements in students' ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and consider multiple perspectives.
Researchers from University of Vaasa and Kent Business School explore how innovation can drive economic change and solve global problems. The book offers fresh perspectives on innovation policy, its current status, and future directions.
Researchers have identified a new variant, clade 1b, of the mpox virus that has become more infectious and is spreading rapidly across borders. The study found that this variant primarily spreads through heterosexual contact in densely populated areas, with an estimated fatality rate of 3.4%.
A new study finds that trust in representative institutions is declining worldwide, with stable or rising trust in non-representative institutions. This decline is associated with support for populist parties and makes it harder for governments to respond to crises.
The new book Not Your Parents' Politics reveals that young people are actively engaging in political discourse on social media with diverse forms of expression, including humor and personal experiences. These expressions shape youth political socialization and democratic participation.
A global survey of 13,500 people in six European countries and the USA reveals that a majority want harmful social media content restricted. The study highlights differences among countries, with some nations supporting stricter regulations than others.
The State of the Nation Project report reveals stark contrasts in the US's global standing, with strong economic performance but weaknesses in areas like mental health and civic engagement. The country excels in poverty reduction but struggles with income inequality, life satisfaction, and citizenship.
The University of Ottawa's AI + Society Initiative proposes a roadmap for protecting democracies in the age of AI, addressing challenges posed by fake news and deepfakes. Four priority actions aim to support institutions against AI interference on elections and democratic processes.
A study by the University of East Anglia found that generative AI tools like ChatGPT exhibit biases leaning towards left-wing political values. This can distort public discourse and exacerbate societal divides, highlighting the need for transparency and regulatory safeguards to ensure alignment with democratic values.
The 'equity by design' framework proposed by Daryl Lim aims to maximize AI benefits while minimizing harm, particularly for underrepresented individuals. The approach embeds equity principles throughout the AI lifecycle, addressing biases and increasing inequality.
A recent study found that 'reciprocal group reflection' - an intervention inspired by marriage counseling - helped reduce affective polarization among opposing political parties. Participants showed reduced signs of division and increased willingness to support depolarization efforts, even after six months.