Articles tagged with Democracy
The American Political Science Association (APSA) has recognized outstanding contributions to the study, teaching, and practice of politics with its 2007 awards. This year's winners include notable public servants, journalists, scholars, and researchers who have made significant impacts in their respective fields.
Research suggests that anti-war activists are divided between supporting the Democratic Party and others, potentially complicating their electoral prospects. The study found that grassroots activists support the Democrats at a rate of around 40%, while non-Democratic activists work with organizations like United for Peace and Justice.
A majority of Afghans (84%) support democracy, with a high level of understanding of its key concepts. However, regions of conflict pose a significant threat to democratic participation and the coexistence of democracy and Islam.
A new study challenges the notion of deep societal divisions in Mexico following the 2006 presidential election. The research suggests that elite-level politics are more polarized than ever, while mass voting patterns reveal moderation and a lack of clear divisions. The findings contribute to a better understanding of Mexican democracy.
The Iraqi public demonstrates the highest levels of intolerance to foreigners, with extraordinarily high levels of ethnic solidarity. Despite this, a majority of Iraqis (85%) believe democracy is the best form of government and their commitment seems genuine.
A Tulane University study suggests that bats may have been responsible for the origin of the deadly Marburg hemorrhagic fever outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The research identified multiple genetic variants of the virus, indicating repeated introductions from a primary reservoir rather than person-to-person spread.
Chinese immigrants aspire to Australia's free, democratic culture with a focus on social and environmental interests. They perceive Australians as friendly, open, and balanced between work and enjoyment.
Researchers distinguish between ambition formation and decision to run, finding that 'progressive ambition' exists prior to a decision in a particular race. Professional legislators are more successful at raising money and gaining votes, leading to enhanced accountability and responsiveness in U.S. House campaigns.
The professor's book explores how religious schools shape students' attitudes, skills, and beliefs essential to democracy. He argues that public schools should remain strong and viable, while supporting the training of religious teachers.
The 'Ethnicity and Democratic Governance' project, led by Queen's Professor Bruce Berman, explores the complexities of democracy in multi-ethnic states and how to accommodate linguistic and cultural diversity. The team aims to develop practical tools for managing ethnic conflicts and promoting social justice.
A new study by the University of Liverpool reveals that unelected agencies control up to 60% of public spending in local authority areas. The report highlights the need for a revival of local democracy, aided but not driven by central government.
Historian Krijn Thijs investigates how dictatorship and democracy influenced Berlin's interpretation of its past. The research reveals that different versions of the city's history were constructed to legitimize power and define identity.
A nationwide household mortality survey found the national crude mortality rate to be 40% higher than sub-Saharan regional levels, resulting in 600,000 more deaths. The conflict has led to 3.9 million total deaths and 38,000 excess deaths per month.
The Families and Democracy Model, developed by William Doherty, empowers citizens to contribute their expertise to tackle community problems. By collaborating with professionals, families can create positive change and develop a more inclusive approach to addressing social issues.
A recent study by John R. Lott Jr. suggests that delays in judicial confirmations are driven by the fear of capable and influential judges who would effectively shape the courts' positions. The study, published in the Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, finds that confirmation delays limit the impact of judges on court decisions.
Iraq's higher education system has been severely damaged, with 5/6ths of institutions destroyed, and the country needs $1 million in infrastructure repairs. The UN University proposes a National Commission to transform the system, addressing issues like teacher training, research funding, and international connectivity.
Research finds that women who head households tend to support Democratic candidates, even in close races. This shift occurs when women become economically independent from men and develop their own perspectives.
Expert analysis highlights the challenges of post-conflict elections, citing cases where ill-timed or poorly designed elections can exacerbate existing tensions. The book examines UN's role in promoting democracy and explores the importance of timing, election mechanics, and political parties.
A Penn State study suggests that student advocates and school districts can achieve their goals by agreeing on non-negotiable core values before compromising on issues. The study emphasizes the importance of dialogue, give-and-take negotiation, and acknowledging diverse social values.
The book Uncertain Vision provides an extraordinary analysis of the BBC during the late 1990s and early 2000s, including its response to government oversight and its pioneering digital platform. It argues that the Birt era's policies led to a decline in creativity and quality of British television.
A new study by the Economic & Social Research Council found that a moral judgment played a crucial role in shaping public opinion on the Iraq War, with nearly two-thirds of variation in approval or disapproval attributed to factors such as rational analysis of British interests, moral judgement, and political identity. The study also s...
A survey of 1,500 Kuwaiti citizens found that support for democracy grew substantially during the four years covered in the study. Kuwaitis also became less interested in trade alliances with the West and paid little attention to Western media.
A University of Washington scholar argues that massive wealth disparity has severely weakened US democracy, fueling the power of corporate money in politics. This trend traces back to President Reagan's policy philosophy, which continues to shape national politics.
The Lancet's editorial highlights the connection between economic instability, poverty, and the risk of civil conflict. The World Bank and WHO reports support this warning, emphasizing the need for collective action to avoid repeating past century's evils.
A recent study by Dr Glen Newey argues that politicians' deception is often necessary for the greater good. The researcher claims that the more people demand transparency from their leaders, the more likely politicians are to resort to lies and misrepresentation.
Despite challenges, public support for devolution remains strong, with 43% of people backing the system. However, sectarian divisions and pessimism about community relations are on the rise, according to new research.
Research suggests that felons and ex-felons could have voted differently in several presidential elections, including the 2000 Bush vs. Gore election, which might have reversed the outcome. This disenfranchisement disproportionately affects working-class poor and African Americans, traditionally voting Democratic.
A joint campaign between The Lancet and the Rockefeller Foundation aims to highlight critical issues in WHO's Director-General election, including a pressing need for leadership, funding reform, and prioritizing global health equity. The campaign seeks responses from candidates on key questions and calls for public scrutiny and debate.
Researcher Charles Kurzman argues that Islamist movements are divided on how to achieve their goals, with some seeking democratic change while others pursue terrorism. Despite their notoriety, Islamists remain unpopular among Muslims.
A global consensus on histopathological diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease is within reach thanks to an interactive website. NMDA receptor antagonists failed to show efficacy in clinical trials of stroke and traumatic brain injury, but lessons learned will guide new developments.
A new study by Pamela Paxton found that organizations with strong connections to the larger community promote democracy, while isolated groups have a negative impact. Countries with more of these connected groups tend to score higher on measures of democracy.
A new study from Ohio State University finds that Republican presidents are associated with increased US prison populations. The research controlled for various factors and found a significant correlation between Republican administrations and rising prison rates.
A new study reveals that over 100 countries have laws that can imprison journalists for 'insulting' government officials and institutions. The World Press Freedom Committee sponsored the research, led by Dr. Ruth Walden, which found that such laws undermine democracies and stifle free speech.
Researchers found that students taking a new type of civics education class were less likely to take extreme positions against democracy and the free market, but also showed lower commitment to these values. This unexpected outcome suggests that such programs may have unintended effects on students' attitudes towards democracy.
Researchers found state-level media more likely to affiliate with the Democratic party, particularly in the South. However, a study published by Dr. Thad Beyle and colleagues found that partisan bias does not appear to affect coverage of governors.