Articles tagged with Democracy
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 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 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 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.
A new study found that internet users who primarily accessed the web for entertainment purposes, such as watching cat videos, were less likely to demand democracy in their countries. In contrast, those who used the internet for news and sharing political opinions were more likely to support democratic reforms. The researchers suggest t...
A new study by McGill University sociologist Barry Eidlin challenges conventional wisdom on the US lack of a labor party. The research shows that differences in political culture and electoral systems did not affect labor party support as expected before the 1930s. Instead, it was a consequence of different ruling party responses to wo...
A McGill University sociologist uses historical data to challenge the conventional wisdom that the US lacks a labor or socialist party. The analysis of 142 years of electoral data shows that differences in political culture and electoral systems did not affect labor party support as expected.
A study found that brief face-to-face conversations with Florida residents measurably changed attitudes toward transgender people, with effects lasting beyond 3 months. The approach, developed by the Los Angeles LGBT Center, involved strategies to facilitate active processing and reflected experiences of prejudice.
A recent study by University of Georgia researchers found that national party division and divisive state primaries significantly impact general election outcomes. In the current election cycle, a divided Republican Party could lose up to 4.5% of the general election vote, compared to a unified party.
Research reveals that public service broadcasting enhances knowledge of government, trust in others, and positive civic attitudes. Watching public channels fosters broad public attitudes and behavior underpinning democratic politics.
A recent study by University of Notre Dame researchers finds that people in states relying heavily on ballot initiatives are happier than those in other states. This 'happiness benefit' is particularly pronounced among lower- and middle-income individuals, who often lack representation in conventional policymaking processes.
Researchers Dr. Harold Clarke and Dr. Karl Ho are studying voter behavior in Hong Kong elections, examining attitudes toward electoral democracy and factors that influence voting decisions. The study aims to understand the impact of class, generation, immigration status, and political affinity on voters' choices.
A new study by MIT researchers reveals that US states have become more liberal since the 1930s, with a small turn to the left in recent years. The study also shows that regional differences in state-level policies have become more pronounced, with the South becoming more conservative and the Northeast and West Coast becoming more liberal.
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.