Articles tagged with Democracy
A study of 30 pre-modern societies found that societies with broad, equitable tax systems and functioning bureaucracies were more likely to have open political institutions and prioritize public well-being. This challenges the notion that democracy is a modern Western phenomenon.
A new study combines complexity science and social risk management to understand the impact of globalization, digitalization, and sustainabilization on societal coherence. The research finds that rapid shifts in public opinion and the emergence of populist movements can pose a threat to diversity and cohesion.
A team of researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that people are more successful at identifying language associated with Republican speech than Democratic speech patterns. The study used machine learning to scan the Congressional Record and presidential debate corpora to isolate linguistic variation between the two parties.
A study published in PLOS ONE finds that the tech elite hold a unique set of views, prioritizing meritocracy and progress over traditional notions of democracy. Their philanthropic statements often emphasize education, work, and social impact.
A new study by Binghamton University researchers shows that domestic politics play a significant role in international conflicts. The 'turnover trap' occurs when a new leader takes office, and foreign rivals test their resolve, increasing the risk of war.
Research found that men and women endorsing traditional forms of masculinity were more likely to vote for and have positive feelings towards Trump. Hegemonic masculinity, a culturally idealized form of masculinity emphasizing strength, dominance, and power, was linked to increased sexism, racism, and xenophobia.
A recent UBC study reveals that individuals with lower socioeconomic statuses are more likely to distrust powerful decision-makers, viewing coercion as a viable path to gain power. In contrast, those with higher socioeconomic statuses are more trusting and associate power with collaboration and respect.
A recent survey by Bright Line Watch found that fewer than a third of Republican voters have confidence in the national vote count, with nearly half expecting Donald Trump to be inaugurated for a second term. The study highlights the persistence of partisan divisions and mistrust in election results among Trump supporters.
In contemporary Taiwan, a study reveals that weak police forces effectively maintain peace by focusing on civic ritual and performative peace. The author argues for a normative ideal of 'weak policing' as the democratic midpoint between violent control and uncontrolled violence.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that potentially harmful use within the Tor system clusters disproportionately in liberal democratic regimes. Only 6.7% of users globally employ Tor for malicious purposes on an average day, with most users using it for benign web content.
A study on vulturine guineafowl found that democratic decision-making allows subordinate birds to lead the group away from dominant-controlled food patches, forcing dominants to abandon their rich resources. This mechanism helps maintain a balance of power in the group, ensuring all members can access essential resources.
A new theory suggests that societies can only be either cohesive or fragmented, with the number of social contacts being the tipping point. As people seek to minimize social stress, they increasingly avoid disagreements and form filter bubbles, leading to a breakdown in constructive communication and potentially threatening democracy.
Researchers analyzed North Americans' foreign policy preferences, finding that coercive measures are more likely to be supported in highly personalized and consolidated autocracies without US ties. In contrast, foreign democracy aid is preferred in regimes with strategic or financial ties and multi-party elections.
A new election forecasting approach uses a mathematical modeling technique to describe how voters in different states may influence each other during an election year. The model forecasts a victory for Biden 89.03% of the time, with a margin of victory lower than the percentage of undecided voters.
A recent study by Bocconi University and Princeton suggests that Twitter disadvantaged Donald Trump in the 2016 US presidential election by making independent voters less likely to vote for him. The study found no effect of Twitter on Republican elections, with a shift towards higher approval of Hillary Clinton among independents.
A new Northwestern University-led study reveals that disdain for the opposing political party now outweighs affection for one's own party, describing a phenomenon called 'political sectarianism'. The researchers identify three key ingredients of this trend: seeing the other side as different, dislikeable, and immoral.
A new analysis identifies US states that make voting easiest and those that make it more challenging. States like Oregon, Washington, Utah, Illinois, and Maryland offer convenient options such as online registration, early voting, and mail-in voting.
Researchers propose a data-driven model to forecast U.S. elections by tracking democratic and republican voters over time, predicting vote margins in each state. The authors' simple yet effective approach enables early forecasts with high accuracy, making it a valuable tool for election prediction.
A study by Dr Lise Storm from the University of Exeter found that former rebel groups adopting political parties become more moderate in democratic nations. However, their tactics and policies remained unchanged if the issue driving support continued to remain relevant.
Researchers found that societies with good governance, characterized by equitable power and wealth distribution, tend to collapse more thoroughly than autocratic regimes. Leaders who abandon core principles and moral guidelines can destabilize their societies, leading to a loss of citizen confidence and fiscal health.
Research from the University of California San Diego reveals that Democratic control of state houses leads to significant improvement in women's incomes and wages relative to men. Women's wages average only 70% of men's wages but decline by 3.6 percentage points after Democrats are elected in a state.
A new RAND Corporation report examines foreign election interference in the US, focusing on creating distrust among Americans and reducing consensus. The study reveals that Russia's efforts are based on Cold War strategies aimed at undermining democratic governance processes.
Researchers at the University of Missouri developed a narrative writing exercise to encourage people to reduce political polarization. The study found that this exercise can foster different perspectives and create a sense of common identity, reducing angst toward those with opposing views.
The latest Bright Line Watch analysis reveals a significant decline in US democracy's performance on various principles, with substantial drops in government protection for peaceful protests, prevention of political violence, and free speech. Experts rate the US as performing poorly on dimensions associated with civility and behavior.
A series of Insights pieces examines democracy's current state, highlighting key findings on political campaigns, gerrymandering, and racialized governance. Experts propose reforms to better serve marginalized populations and improve democratic governance.
A majority of surveyed US-based Republicans agree that traditional American values are disappearing, driven by ethnic antagonism and concerns about discrimination against Whites. The strongest predictor of these sentiments is ethnic antagonism, which erodes commitment to democracy.
A new study analyzing nationwide U.S. county-level data and individual-level voter records from Washington and Utah found that mandatory vote-by-mail modestly increases voter turnout by 1.8-2.9% without favoring either party. The effect on Democratic shares of the vote was not statistically significant, with a minor increase of 0.7%.
A new study published in Political Behavior found that voters do not penalize ambitious women candidates seeking political office. In fact, female candidates with progressive and agenda-based ambition were slightly favored. The study tested voter reactions to 'ambitious' traits across nearly 4000 respondents in the US and UK.
A study by Kansas State University analyzed nearly 2 million congressional speeches and found that politicians use simpler language and express more positive or negative sentiments. The analysis also showed a decrease in reading level and vocabulary over time.
The study found that democratic countries tend to copy each other's decisions, while the timing of implementation is crucial in containing the spread. The researchers conclude that political decisions during the pandemic were influenced by internal pressure and a desire for decisiveness.
A study by Yale University found that US voters are willing to forgive undemocratic behavior to achieve their partisan ends and policy goals. Only 3.5% of voters would cast ballots against their preferred candidates as punishment for undemocratic behavior.
Rogers M. Smith advocates for a new narrative of American identity that champions greater inclusiveness, respect, and egalitarianism. This approach can help build progressive coalitions and defeat narrower nationalist visions, such as Trump's America First agenda.
Research by Binghamton University faculty highlights Spanish language's growing impact on US politics, with key findings including increased use of Spanish in campaign speeches and debates. The study suggests a divide between Democratic and Republican parties on the role of Spanish in election discourse.
Fires have spread across Angola and DRC in June 2020, with 61,661 alerts in Angola and 102,738 in DRC, according to Global Forest Watch. This 'slash and burn' agriculture practice has been used for over 12,000 years, clearing fields and returning nutrients to the soil.
A study analyzing congressional tweets reveals deep divisions in COVID-19 messaging along party lines, with Democrats discussing the crisis more frequently and using different word choices than Republicans. The analysis found a stark contrast between Democratic and Republican communication on Twitter during the pandemic.
The authors argue that the resurgence of racism and far-right ideologies is not driven by popular demand, but rather a top-down process legitimized by elite behaviors. They suggest that real concerns and radical alternatives can help build egalitarian futures.
A recent article by Arman Grigoryan challenges the liberal notion that democracies prioritize democracy support. Grigoryan argues that the West's differing responses to Ukraine and Armenia's democratic movements reveal a pattern of supporting democracy when it aligns with material interests, but not when it conflicts with them.
A study by NYU Wagner found that participatory budgeting in NYC has led to smaller, more numerous capital projects and potentially increased political patronage. The process allows citizens to determine priorities for public spending, but the analysis suggests that city legislators may be using it to dispense patronage instead.
A recent survey by Bright Line Watch found that experts rate US democratic performance as the worst since 2017, with significant declines in accountability, checks and balances, and individual rights. The public's perception of democracy also declined, with those who disapprove of Trump showing a sharp decline in ratings.
A new system uses AI to root out political memes and disinformation on social media platforms, highlighting the threat of coordinated campaigns to incite violence and manipulate elections. The project aims to flag manipulated content in real-time to prevent harm.
A Univision News poll by Cornell University finds that Bernie Sanders leads among Latino voters in Nevada with 33% support, followed by Joe Biden at 22%. The survey also shows significant concerns over health care and racism among Latinos, with four out of five disapproving of President Trump.
A new study by University of Bristol scientists found that secular cultures with tolerance of minority groups tend to have more wealth, education, and democracy. The research suggests that changes in culture generally come before economic improvements, making cultural values a crucial predictor of future prosperity.
Three finalists, Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, Field Ready, and Hala Systems, will receive $3.7 million to develop innovative solutions for humanitarian crises caused by conflict. The projects aim to provide accurate maps, essential items, and early warning systems to help vulnerable populations.
A new learning model, Deliberative Walks, combines citizens' juries and development walks to engage citizens in urban planning. The method aims to collect all opinions, not just expert views, and promotes inclusive discussions, leading to increased civic engagement and understanding of participatory democracy.
Repeated exposure to fake news can make it seem more acceptable to share, even if individuals know it's false. In a series of experiments involving over 2,500 participants, researchers found that people rate fake headlines as less unethical to publish and share when seen multiple times.
LabSchoolsEurope aims to develop and evaluate methods for dealing with heterogeneity in primary schools, promoting democratic behavior and preventing racism. The project will create multi-lingual practice guidelines, teaching materials, and successfully tested sequences that can be made available online.
Research reveals that communities experiencing demographic change moved towards pro-immigration Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, contradicting conventional wisdom. The study used a novel approach analyzing voting precincts instead of large geographic areas.
A study by Ohio State University found that partisan media use is linked to stronger negative feelings and false beliefs about political opponents. Researchers surveyed Americans using various news outlets during the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections, discovering a correlation between increased hostility and belief in misperceptions.
Researchers found that music chart statistics have changed significantly since the 1990s, with albums now having shorter lifetimes. The diversity of charts has doubled or tripled, and albums either reach the top immediately or never make it.
Research analyzed popular picture books for depictions of political issues, leaders, and processes. The study found a lack of information on voting and protesting, as well as limited representation of democratic leaders. Picture books could be an opportunity for early education about politics and democracy.
A new study by University of Arkansas researchers found that media framing in presidential debates significantly impacts public perception. Donald Trump emerged as a clear winner in terms of visual techniques used by the media, such as solo shots and increased camera time. In contrast, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders received more c...
A new study by Lund University economist Erik Bengtsson challenges the myth that Sweden became a social democracy due to a tradition of independent farmers and a lack of nobility. Instead, he argues that the temperance movement's organisational culture and free churches played a crucial role in shaping the Swedish welfare state.
A comprehensive roadmap for regulating nonprofit political activity is proposed by University of Notre Dame Law School Professor Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer. The plan aims to channel political activity in ways that further both sound tax policy and democracy, while preventing loopholes and promoting transparency.
Researchers Mark Lawrence and Stefan Schäfer of the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) warn that the Paris Climate Agreement's centralized approach to addressing global warming has failed. They argue that a more democratic engagement is necessary to reanimate global climate politics.
Research suggests foreign powers like Russia and China can't significantly impact election outcomes or policies through disinformation. A Canadian researcher found that deeply ingrained identities and attitudes among elites and citizens counteract such efforts.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that people's beliefs about the source of information significantly impact how they process it. Establishing credibility for news sources is crucial to combatting fake news and mitigating its effects on democratic institutions.
A new study finds that out-of-pocket spending is a major problem in low- and middle-income countries, forcing people to choose between care and poverty. By 2050, health spending is projected to nearly double to $15.0 trillion, with less than one percent spent in currently low-income countries.
A new book examines historic examples of civility, such as those from the New Deal era, to provide insights for improving civil discourse. The author and co-editors argue that ordinary people can play a crucial role in shaping democratic discussion.
A new study suggests that democracy is associated with improved public health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, especially in areas such as cardiovascular disease and noncommunicable diseases. The researchers found that democratic institutions and processes can be a catalyst for improving population health.
A global study found that democratic governance is linked with declines in cardiovascular disease mortality and road deaths, as well as increases in government health spending. Life expectancy improved faster in countries that transitioned to democracy between 1970 and 2015 compared to those that did not.