Articles tagged with Democracy
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Democracy faces challenges from polarization and increasing inequalities, argues Charles Taylor. Michael J. Sandel warns of the corrosive effect of neoliberal ideology, which disengages citizens from public affairs. Rebuilding a shared civic life is also crucial, according to both thinkers.
New research from Aarhus University found that conservative voters prefer strong leaders with deep voices, while liberal voters prefer more gentle features. This study challenges the idea that voters carefully weigh pros and cons when making decisions.
ETH Zurich researchers Prof. Dirk Helbing and Dr. Evangelos Pournaras propose a citizen-led platform called Nervousnet to enable self-determination and sustainability. The platform allows users to measure, analyze, and share data in real-time, promoting participatory governance and environmental awareness.
Healthcare workers play a crucial role in combating female genital mutilation (FGM), with nurses and midwives being key to detecting and protecting at-risk children. However, lack of education, awareness, and protocols can hinder efforts to eradicate FGM.
Researchers at Ohio State University challenge the widely-held theory that democracies are less likely to go to war with each other. Their new technique and model accurately predicted international conflict five and ten years in advance, outperforming existing models. The study highlights the importance of economic trade relationships ...
A new study by Oregon State University researchers reveals that unmarried women have high levels of gender linked fate, or the conviction that an individual's chances of success depend on the status of the group. This explains a significant amount of their political divergence from married women.
The current sequential election system results in the highest probability that the Condorcet winner is elected and the highest expected quality of the nominee. Sequential primaries allow voters to narrow down the field of contenders, avoiding vote-splitting among similar candidates.
A study by University of Kansas researchers found that US media over-represent individuals involved in policy-making, whereas South Korean media prioritize executive branch coverage. This suggests that journalistic operating procedures and relationships with government officials play a significant role in shaping media coverage.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's forests are under threat from lax conservation efforts, with up to 20% loss predicted and a 60% increase in carbon emissions expected. A new study suggests that greater protection measures, including protected areas and land use zoning, could reduce deforestation by more than half.
Two doctors criticize Australia's Border Force Act 2015 for silencing healthcare professionals who report substandard medical care in detention centres. The law can lead to imprisonment for whistleblowers, violating their professional duty and international humanitarian obligations.
A statistical analysis of poll performance in battleground states over the last three presidential elections shows polling firms produced estimates that were fairly accurate in 2004 and 2008, but underestimated support for President Obama in 2012. The authors attribute this to outdated sampling methodology that excluded cellphone-only ...
A new study by Lily Tsai of Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that citizens in rural China engage in 'constructive noncompliance' to prompt government policy changes, often based on issues like property. The research suggests a greater willingness to disobey laws in situations where citizen input is more likely.
Researchers analyzed Facebook activity of over 10 million users, finding that users chose to ignore about 70% of challenging posts despite algorithm filtering. The study suggests that social media platforms like Facebook can still promote ideological diversity if users actively seek out diverse perspectives.
A study by MIT researcher Adam Berinsky found that correcting political rumors can sometimes increase their strength. Attempts to debunk myths often rely on partisan sources, which can lead to increased belief in the myth. The study suggests that finding neutral sources of information is crucial for combating political misinformation.
A study by MIT economists found that increasing female candidates on electoral lists improves a party's chances of winning votes. Voter turnout did not diminish in response to more female candidates, suggesting internal party dynamics may be the main barrier to women's representation.
Developing countries like India, Egypt, and Ukraine are found near the border of a development trap due to institutional and value-based political traps. The researchers predict that investing in education can help these countries transition to higher democracy and socio-economic wellbeing.
A survey by TUM found that two-thirds of Germans support democratic management, with employees seeking more autonomy in work life. However, managers believe implementing such systems is challenging.
A new study by University of Kansas professors found that partisanship among the most educated Americans can lead to a divergence in fact understanding. Well-educated respondents disagreed more along partisan lines than less-educated respondents on highly politicized issues, suggesting education alone may not be enough to create consen...
A recent analysis of public opinion polls reveals a deep partisan divide over the Affordable Care Act, with Republicans wanting to repeal or scale it back and Democrats pushing for its implementation. Despite millions of newly insured Americans, public approval of the ACA has not improved since its enactment four years ago.
A mathematical model developed by Duke University researchers shows how changes in North Carolina's congressional voting districts could affect election outcomes. The study found that re-ran elections with tweaked district boundaries resulted in drastically different seat splits, highlighting the need for redistricting reform.
A new study finds that autocratic leaders who sign human-rights treaties do so for domestic political maneuvering rather than economic gains. The researchers analyzed four core treaties and found no evidence of tangible material rewards for ratification.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers explores the relationship between Islam and liberal democracy in Muslim-majority countries. They found that while people in these countries are less tolerant on average than those in Western nations, socio-economic conditions and political regimes play a significant role.
The study reveals that scenes of execution in American film can provoke awareness of the political responsibility inherent in voters' identities as democratic citizens in a killing state. Researchers argue that these films offer a unique opportunity to engage with the complexities of capital punishment and its implications for society.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that people who were surprised by election outcomes are more skeptical of government and democracy. The study suggests that media fragmentation can lead to hearing only what individuals want to hear, eroding trust in elections and government.
In experiments by Yale and Harvard psychologists, more than two-thirds of people were willing to take a sustainable 'fair share' of resources, while selfish individuals consistently destroyed them. Democratic principles led to group consensus on resource allocation, ensuring the next generation's survival.
Parliamentary means dissensus explores the confrontational nature of parliamentary politics, where opponents' views are thoroughly examined. The book offers new approaches to democratic theory by highlighting the singular political significance of parliaments.
Agricultural fires are on the rise in central Africa due to the dry season, affecting air quality and public health. The region's reliance on slash-and-burn agriculture has led to a recurring pattern of annual burning that can have significant environmental implications.
A recent study by Princeton University and Northwestern University found that affluent individuals and business corporations have significantly more influence on federal government policy than average citizens. Organized interest groups also play a substantial role in shaping policy outcomes, while the preferences of ordinary citizens ...
A new study by Michigan State University's Michael Colaresi suggests that foreign aid from rival nations can create mistrust among citizens and hinder the establishment of democratic governments after civil wars. Only one country, Algeria, bucked this trend by becoming more democratic in the following decade.
Political scientists Norman Ornstein and Jared Diamond explore the root causes of American democracy's crisis, blaming tribalism and political extremism. They argue that these factors have led to gridlock, legislative failures, and erosion of democratic processes.
A researcher analyzes the necessary conditions for a society to become a democracy, highlighting the importance of social protest and the role of institutions. The study suggests that a dynamic between state institutions and Basque society is crucial for enabling democratic processes.
In a public goods game, participants preferred institutions with punishment for tax evaders to increase cooperation. A majority decision ensured the institution was established, promoting group benefits. Democratic choices led to more cooperative behavior and greater profits.
A new study from Rice University finds that women are more likely to disapprove of and participate in anti-corruption efforts in countries where corruption is publicly condemned. However, the relationship between gender and corruption depends on institutional context.
A new study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln political scientist Sergio Wals found that Mexican immigrants tend to be centrist or center-right in their political ideologies. Despite historical trends showing the Hispanic vote going Democratic, Wals' research reveals a more diverse political landscape among Mexican immigrants.
Researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discover that specialized neurons in the auditory cortex transmit information to the striatum, forming a 'representative democracy' where minority neurons convey 'votes' to make decisions. This finding has implications for neural circuitry and decision-making.
New research combines formal philosophy, social psychology, and decision theory to understand how info-tech amplifies irrational group behaviour. This phenomenon can lead to 'informational cascades', online discussions in echo chambers, and threaten democratic discourse.
Research by Adam Meirowitz and Joshua Tucker suggests that protesters may lose motivation to take to the streets if they experience repeated failure or corruption in a new government. The study proposes a dynamic model of protest, taking into account the uncertainty people face when dealing with unfamiliar democratic systems.
A study by MIT and LSE found that migrants from certain countries may be up to 40% less likely to gain citizenship due to biases in the voting process. Despite this, interactions with immigrant groups can help reduce prejudice over time.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School has received significant funding to expand its family planning initiatives, aiming to increase resources and political commitment for quality programs. The Advance Family Planning initiative will focus on nine countries, improving access to and use of family planning services, information, and supplies.
Experts analyze the biggest threats to democracy, including complacency and the erosion of democratic norms. International leaders share their personal experiences and insights on sustaining democracy in war-torn nations.
A new study by American Sociological Association investigates the rise of the top 1 percent and finds that Republican strength in Congress increases their share of income. The study also reveals a significant link between decreased union membership and higher levels of inequality, as well as a strong effect of financial asset bubbles o...
A UCLA study found that female politicians with stereotypically feminine facial features are more likely to be Republican, while those with less feminine features are more likely to be Democrat. The researchers used a computer model to analyze the faces of 434 House Representatives and found a strong correlation between facial features...
A recent study by the University of Missouri found that news consumption alone is not sufficient for retaining political knowledge. Adolescents who engage in discussions about the news with peers and relatives tend to have better understanding of political developments.
A Michigan State University sociologist argues that Russia's pursuit of liberalization has not led to democracy, but rather created a culture of greed, corruption, and disloyalty. The country's elite prioritize personal wealth over national interests, undermining its global influence.
A new paper by Matthew Baggetta argues that both voluntary associations and civic engagement are essential for creating good citizens. The study found that participation in associations can change people's behavior and attitudes, leading to a more engaged citizenry.
A new study reveals that praetorian militaries and national-level corruption significantly increase child mortality rates, particularly in democracies with weak civil societies. The researchers found highly praetorian countries, such as Afghanistan and Democratic Republic of Congo, to have the highest child mortality rates.
A study published in Comunicación y Sociedad found that consumption of political information is linked to more moderate and positive opinions about politics and politicians. The study showed that scientists are the most trusted profession, while politicians are the least.
A University of Tennessee professor found that celebrities' political activity can make a party more or less likable, depending on voter perceptions. Research suggests celebrity endorsements affect public opinion by influencing people's views of the parties as 'brands'.
The inaugural issue of American Political Thought explores the concept of American exceptionalism, with scholars arguing over its origins, applications, and implications for U.S. foreign policy. The articles challenge common assumptions about the term's meaning and its role in shaping American identity.
A study by Michel Tuan Pham, Leonard Lee, and Andrew T. Stephen found that individuals who trusted their feelings were better able to predict future events than those with less trust. The 'emotional oracle effect' was proven across various predictions, including weather, stock market movements, and movie success.
This special issue examines social media's impact on democracy, with studies revealing both its potential to empower citizens and its capacity for social control. Research highlights the complex relationship between digital media, political change, and authoritarian regimes.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that internet use is most effective in promoting democracy in countries with partial freedoms. In these nations, increased internet penetration and online activity drive demand for democratic reforms. However, the internet has limited impact in highly authoritarian regimes, where ruler...
A study by Complutense University of Madrid found that Spanish public television began to portray republicans as brave combatants in the final years of Franco's regime. The researchers analyzed TVE archives and concluded that the topic of peace replaced war, highlighting a shift in how the Civil War was portrayed on TV.
A study by Juan Rodríguez Teruel found that half of Spanish ministers are specialists in their field and have a university degree, challenging the notion of low ministerial qualifications. The study also revealed that most ministers hold power for short periods, often changing offices after three years or less.
Researchers found that uninformed individuals can bring about a majority decision, even if the minority is more determined than the majority. The number of undecided individuals must not be excessive, or decisions become unpredictable and follow a random pattern.
A Princeton University research team found that uninformed individuals can act as a counterbalance to minority groups, restoring majority rule. The study challenges the common notion that an outspoken minority can manipulate uncommitted voters.
Cities' grandiose Olympic Village projects often prioritize private sector interests over public good, leading to significant financial burdens on taxpayers. Sociologist Jay Scherer's research highlights the importance of democratic transparency in such partnerships, emphasizing the need for community benefits and fair risk distribution.
A University of Missouri study finds that digital media is segmenting people into polarized interest groups, leading to nastier politics. Researcher Ben Warner recommends a balanced approach to information seeking to restore civility to political discourse.
A new study analyzing over 3 million tweets, YouTube content, and blog posts finds that social media played a central role in the Arab Spring. Conversations about freedom and democracy were carried across international borders, inspiring stories of protest and organizing political action.
Research finds that active participation in civic groups and organizations is declining at a rate greater than the increase in checkbook memberships. This shift towards passive participation may be due to changes in community design, longer commutes, and increased television time, posing potential threats to democracy.