Articles tagged with Democracy
A comprehensive assessment of US democracy during the Trump presidency finds substantial areas of agreement among experts and citizens about critical democratic principles. However, there are concerns about the erosion of democratic norms, particularly regarding checks and balances and institutional resilience.
Researchers found that democracies employ broad-based investment in health and human capital, leading to improved economies. Countries that have democratized within the last 60 years tend to start off slowly but eventually catch up with nondemocracies.
A WSU sociologist's analysis of over 20,000 people's opinions reveals that environmental support declines with age and has minimal impact from cohort, but is significantly affected by presidential politics. Republican voters tend to oppose Democratic environmental policies, while supporting them when a Democrat is in office.
A new WCS study examines the job satisfaction of front-line conservation rangers working in challenging conditions at Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The research reveals that rangers' motivation decreases over time, but provides suggestions for improvement, including better salaries, recognition, and security guarantees.
A new analysis found competing visions for health reform among newly elected governors, with Democrats advancing proposals to expand public coverage. Seven Democratic nominees proposed single-payer health care plans, while six others proposed creating a new public insurance option.
A Bright Line Watch experiment reveals that partisanship is the dominant factor in voting decisions, outweighing policy positions and democratic values. The study's findings highlight the American public's commitment to certain democratic principles, but also expose significant partisan divides on issues like voter ID laws.
A study analyzing genome-wide data from 693 individuals in the Democratic Republic of Congo found that present-day Kuba are genetically diverse and similar to neighboring groups, suggesting historical unification during state centralization. This research underscores the potential of genomics to reconstruct societal histories.
A new dating technique has pushed the formation of Earth's cobalt deposits back by 100-150 million years, according to a University of Alberta study. This revised timeline offers a fresh perspective on the global distribution of cobalt and its potential for sustainable exploration and mining.
Research suggests that people with narcissistic tendencies are more likely to reject democratic institutions, preferring strong leadership or authoritarian rule. In contrast, those with a positive self-view and high levels of trust in others tend to support democracy more strongly.
Economic inequality and political divergence can lead to instability in democracies. Social media algorithms also play a role in distorting public opinion and creating false consensus effects. The researchers argue that a better understanding of complex systems is needed to preserve democratic institutions.
A new study reveals wide variations in voting ease among US states, impacting democracy and potentially affecting voter turnout. States like Oregon and Colorado rank high for ease of voting, while others like Mississippi face significant inconveniences.
Researchers successfully located the epicenter of the September 2017 North Korean nuclear test using regional seismic data. The study's findings confirm that subsequent seismic events were not also nuclear explosions.
A recent study by Georgia State University faculty found that commitment to democratic values is the strongest predictor of climate change concern worldwide. In contrast, party identification plays a more significant role in Western democracies, particularly in the US.
Billi London-Gray, a UTA art lecturer, has won a Puffin Grant for her ongoing project, The Loop and Saw Choir. She collaborates with volunteers of all ages and abilities to create music using unique instruments such as musical saws and analog synthesizers.
A study analyzed 62 countries' DMTF Index scores, finding that those under Social Democratic and Liberal regimes had lower rates of tooth decay compared to Conservative and Dictatorial regimes. The researchers suggested creating new typologies to better characterize the relationship between political systems and oral health indicators.
A new study finds that democratic leaders tend to be more aggressive in international conflicts due to public pressure and audience costs. However, exceptions exist, such as democracies with strong protections for a free press or those facing an existential threat from another nation.
A large-scale European project has found that young people are highly active in participating as citizens, developing their own methods of campaigning on various issues. The project, PARTISPACE, challenged assumptions that young people aren't participating in democratic systems and found evidence of alternative ways they engage.
A new study found that 24 countries, including the USA and India, experienced a decline in democratic qualities between 2017 and 2023. Non-electoral aspects of democracy, such as media freedom and freedom of expression, are under increasing threat.
The study highlights the devastating impact of human activities on primate populations, with up to 78% decline in their habitats by the end of the century. The authors recommend extending protected areas, reforestation, and promoting sustainable farming practices to conserve primates.
Researchers found that Thanksgiving visits were 30-50 minutes shorter after the 2016 presidential election, with effects worse in media markets with intense political advertising. This indicates a broader decline in social capital and close connections between friends and family.
A new paper by Arman Grigoryan attributes Armenia's stalled democratization to the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict and subsequent political processes. The conflict undermined liberal aspirations and empowered a military establishment, leading to the failure of Armenia's transition.
Cass Sunstein has made significant contributions to research in constitutional law, democratic theory, and behavioral economics. He was awarded the Holberg Prize for his work, which has had a far-reaching impact on public policy. Meanwhile, Norwegian political scientist Francesca R. Jensenius received the Nils Klim Prize for her outsta...
A new energy storage solution has been developed by a UToledo engineer to make battery packs last longer and cost less. The bilevel equalizer circuit and retrofit kit can be used in various applications, increasing discharge capacity by 30% and extending pack lifespan.
Researchers analyzed scientific connections of leading scholars, including Harry Eugene Stanley and Edward Witten, to understand modern scientific cooperation. They used Erdos numbers to visualize the flow of ideas in graphs, revealing a self-organization resulting from power law dynamics in these networks.
The study found that protesters lowered the stock market valuations of politically connected firms by 13% relative to other firms. The researchers also discovered a connection between protest crowd size and valuation changes, with larger crowds leading to lower valuations for NDP-connected firms.
A UK investigation led by the University of Huddersfield is considering whether 16-year-olds should be granted the right to vote in all elections. The research will analyze debates and arguments surrounding youth democratic participation, comparing historical and contemporary perspectives.
Researchers found that Ebola survivors' immune systems may provide some protection against future infection. The study, led by UCLA, located 14 survivors of the 1976 outbreak who still lived in the same remote villages.
A new study by Claudius Gros highlights the urgent need for governments to reduce their time lag in responding to citizens' wishes. The accelerated pace of opinion formation due to internet and smartphone usage has led to a tipping point, beyond which political systems become unstable.
The article attributes Trump's victory to a rejection of the Democratic Party by working-class voters in the Rust Belt, citing institutions like labor unions as key factors. The author argues that regional characteristics and institutions connected these voters to national politics, explaining unusual voting behavior in 2016.
The research highlights the importance of peaceful transition to inclusive democracy and power-sharing in facilitating voluntary returns. Notably, older people with positive memories of before wartime were more likely to return, while women were less likely to want to go back. The study also emphasizes the crucial role of lawyers and n...
Binghamton University researchers found that presenting people with contradictory information makes them think longer and produce more in-depth arguments, rather than changing their minds. The study's findings suggest that resisting counter views triggers deeper thinking, leading to better-quality arguments.
Dr Anja Osei's project aims to evaluate parliamentary debates and surveys among Members of Parliament in seven African countries to understand the role of parliaments in autocracies. The research will explore whether legislatures enhance democracy or contribute to authoritarian rule.
A comprehensive study of legislative elections in 91 democracies found that half experienced substantial voter decline. Factors contributing to low turnout differ by country and regime change context. The study suggests exposure to democratic practice is not the main reason for decreased participation.
A study published in Party Politics found that 97% of voters were glad they participated, while 60% of non-voters regretted not voting. People who feel morally duty-bound to vote and those interested in politics are more likely to be satisfied with their decision.
A study found that increases in state-level temperatures lead to higher voter turnout and votes for the incumbent party. For every 10C increase, voter turnout rises by 1.4%., The study also reveals a rise in temperature motivates citizens to vote for smaller parties while government popularity soars.
A new model suggests that police should use confrontational tactics in areas with high gang violence to deter crime, while avoiding them in areas with low community trust. The model also highlights vast racial disparities in police stops and arrests.
Researchers at TUM have developed a mathematical method to calculate optimally sized voting districts, reducing the need for controversial redistricting processes. The methodology achieves optimal solutions with deviations below 15% from the average size of electoral districts, making it applicable to many countries.
In response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), RTI International is working closely with the Ministry of Health and other partners to strengthen local surveillance systems. The average case fatality rate for Ebola is around 50%, and there have been over 100 contacts under daily monitoring.
A study by Wildlife Conservation Society found that Congo's miners often hunt wildlife for food due to lack of alternative protein sources. The authors suggest strengthening wildlife-friendly mining regulations and increasing domestic food sources as solutions.
A University at Buffalo researcher warns that personalized content on political websites can lead to a 'filter bubble' effect, where users consume only information that aligns with their ideologies. This can result in increased polarization and reduced civil discourse, ultimately hurting democracy.
A new study published in the European Journal of Political Research reveals that women's civil rights are essential for countries to become fully democratic. The research indicates that the failure to foster women's rights compromised any attempt at democratic governance in the Arab Spring countries.
A new study by Dartmouth College researchers finds that bipartisan coalitions are more likely to form in Congress when it becomes more polarized, enabling lawmakers to override presidential vetoes. This occurs as party leaders gain control over procedures and presidents use veto power strategically.
Researchers found that democratic decision-making processes and majority endorsement within offender groups influence victims' perception of sincerity and conciliatory response. The study suggests that governments and political leaders should build consensus within their group about the appropriateness of an apology to the victim group.
Researchers suggest using a deliberative frame in questions to promote democracy and healthy politics. The approach has shown promise in online town halls between Congress members and constituents, leading to high marks and repeated participation.
Fake medicines have been a problem since the first manufacture, with thousands of 'Third Men' hiding in today's world. Investment in medicine regulatory authorities is crucial to combat substandard and falsified medicines that can drive antimicrobial resistance.
Experts argue that authoritarian leaders effectively mobilize public support using discourse that aligns with the country's history and traditions. The study analyzes Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan's presidents' rhetoric between 1997-2015.
A recent study by Michigan State University researchers suggests that rising income inequality is the primary driver of satisfaction with democracy, not who wins elections. The study found a widening gap in satisfaction between electoral winners and losers as income inequality increases.
Lisa Biggs' project, 'AFTER/LIFE,' aims to tell the stories of overlooked women and girls involved in the 1967 conflict through oral history, theater, poetry, and dance. The production will be directed by Kristin Horton and commemorated the upcoming 50th anniversary of the unrest.
A study found that dictatorships remain stable 87% of the time following a leader's death, whereas other forms of leadership exit result in stability only 43% of the time. This is likely due to loyal followers who support the status quo and have an incentive to preserve their privileged access to office.
A study by UC Santa Barbara psychologist Brenda Major found that highly identified white Americans who feel threatened by diversity are more likely to support Donald Trump and endorse anti-immigrant policies. However, those less identified with their ethnicity tend to oppose Trump and support anti-bias norms.
A Harvard University study predicts that climate change will lead to more frequent political party turnovers and increased focus on short-term policies, potentially hindering long-run climate mitigation strategies.
A better diet is associated with an increase in the middle class, leading to economic and political independence and fostering democratic values. Improved nutrition precedes democracy, contrary to conventional wisdom, and has a higher correlation with democratization than income growth and trade liberalization.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a park ranger was recently killed while defending Grauer's gorillas, highlighting the increasing threats to rangers and their families. The WCS Senior Conservation Scientist for Africa expresses concern over these increased threats to animal protection.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests Grauer's gorillas are Critically Endangered due to a 77% population decline over one generation. The research identifies three key areas critical for the remaining population and calls for greater conservation efforts, including halting mining and protecting wildlife.
A US study found that the country secretly detains citizens from democracies in 'black sites,' while openly holding those from non-democracies in known prisons. The researchers argue that this behavior is rooted in the 'Perceptual Theory of Legitimacy', which suggests good things happen to good people, and bad things happen to bad people.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers analyzed Hillary Clinton's two political memoirs, revealing links to her public perception problems. The analysis found that Clinton's writing styles were influenced by the 'double bind' women face in politics, with a tendency to be pragmatic and avoid personal revelations.
A new website developed at Duke University, iCheck, lets visitors evaluate claims about congressional voting records more critically. The site integrates data from multiple sources and allows users to explore how claims hold up under different parameters.
A study by Florida Atlantic University and San Diego State University found that Americans are increasingly identifying as independents, with 46% of adults now self-identifying as independents. Millennials are leading this trend, with nearly 30% marking themselves as having extreme affiliations with either party.
A new study finds that Republican and Democratic presidential candidates rarely respond to swing voters' views on key issues. Despite the importance of moderate middle ground in election campaigns, candidates typically take stances closer to those of their core supporters or extreme subsets of 'intense policy demanders'.
A new study finds that campaign visits have limited impact on voters, but consume significant resources. The study suggests that candidates should focus on other strategies, such as advertising and voter contact, to influence voters.