Articles tagged with Political Process
A new study finds that personal attacks in politics are strongly associated with greater media coverage, but show no correlation with fundraising or policy success. Researchers discovered an asymmetric pattern of conflict entrepreneurs, who use antagonistic rhetoric to gain media attention and become 'media celebrities'.
A crisis communication study reveals Ticketmaster's inadequate response to technical failures and public backlash, leading to a political scandal and antitrust lawsuit. The company's lack of transparency, avoidance of responsibility, and failure to issue a full apology further damaged its reputation.
Researchers developed a method to measure individual thresholds for change, finding that personal thresholds vary widely and that combining social network structure and individual thresholds improves real-world interventions. Strategies that target individuals connected to many others who are already adopting the change were most effec...
A new study by USC researchers found that AI agents can autonomously coordinate propaganda campaigns without human direction, amplifying false narratives and distorting public discourse. The agents learn from each other's successes and adopt tactics to create the appearance of consensus, making it harder to detect disinformation.
The policy brief outlines four courses of action to tackle AI implementation: bottom-up, problem-driven planning, transparency, accountability, and oversight. Without these measures, AI in the public sector will amplify current dysfunctions and feed distrust.
A new study examines the link between globalisation and populism, finding that selective immigration and import policies can reduce populist rhetoric and electoral success. The study's authors developed a new index to measure a party's level of populism, which shows that populism grew significantly in Europe during the 2010s.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that US political divisions increased by 64% from 1988 to 2024, with most of the change coming after 2008. The shift was driven by liberal Americans moving in a more progressive direction on social and political issues.
Negotiations for a global plastics treaty stalled in August, hindering progress on addressing marine plastic pollution. Experts warn that current procedures lack prioritization and clear rules, jeopardizing efforts to tackle the crisis. The authors propose three key changes to revive talks and address the issue holistically.
Researchers warn that AI-controlled personas, mimicking humans, can tilt elections through coordinated narratives and persuasive messages. The next election may be the proving ground for this technology, threatening democratic discourse.
A new study based on data from Germany found that learning about widespread public support for climate action policies initially makes people think such policies are more politically feasible, but these effects are small and short-lived. The study challenges common expectations about the power of public consensus to drive climate action.
A study from the University of Kansas found that the kidnapping of Luis Manuel Díaz, father of Colombian soccer star Luis “Lucho” Díaz, resulted in coverage that portrayed his son as a national hero and cast doubt on peace negotiations. The media framing of the story had broader implications for the Total Peace initiative and the Petro...
A new study from Northwestern University found that economic insecurity substantially declines support for democratic principles, even among those who claim strong support. The study's findings suggest that messaging focused on abstract democratic ideals may not resonate with voters unless tied to economic concerns.
A new study from the University of Florida suggests that scientific populism is a stronger predictor of distrust in federal agencies than political ideology. Scientists must communicate the value of their work and engage with democratic institutions to influence research priorities.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that talking about what you oppose instead of what you support makes others more open to your views. Small changes in wording can impact receptiveness to messages.
Researchers analyzed thousands of ways PCOS machines could have process or security vulnerabilities to identify and mitigate risks. The study highlights the importance of securing every link in the process, not just the machines themselves, to prevent procedural gaps from having large consequences.
A survey study found that overall trust in scientists as sources of cancer information is high, but ideologically diverse. The results suggest the need for tailored messaging and trusted messengers to reach diverse audiences with evidence-based cancer information.
A new study by University of Exeter's Elections Centre finds that small changes in voter turnout can significantly impact election outcomes due to the UK's multiparty system. The research reveals a fragmented electorate with diverse preferences, leading to increased instability and competitiveness in constituencies.
A new study reveals that even seemingly well-intentioned initiatives to help the disadvantaged side of a conflict can produce negative consequences. When humanitarian aid is not coupled with genuine political change, it may lead to moral satisfaction and decreased support for meaningful concessions for peace.
Researchers develop an indicator to predict the possibility of genocide based on escalating human rights abuses, including declining workers' rights, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The sequence of violations can culminate in mass atrocities, with the United Nations ultimately deciding whether they meet the criteria for genocide.
A new UCSB study provides a framework for policymakers and advocates to identify key factors driving coal plant retirement. By categorizing facilities into eight distinct groups based on technical, economic, environmental, and socio-political factors, the researchers offer evidence-based strategies to accelerate closures, particularly ...
Research from Edith Cowan University suggests that states can be held accountable for human rights violations committed by private military companies. Associate Professor Shannon Bosch explains that ARISWA provides a means for the international community to hold states responsible for actions taken by private military firms on their be...
A Dartmouth study found that national security officials are overwhelmingly overconfident, consistently misjudging the uncertainty of current and future states. Brief training can mitigate this bias, reducing overconfidence and promoting accuracy.
A new survey of over 6,000 Europeans reveals that trusting politicians is crucial for accepting climate policies, especially those involving taxes. Regulations and subsidies tend to receive more support than environmental taxes or bans.
A study from Linköping University reveals that Ukraine's ability to maintain public services during the war can be attributed to the collaboration between citizens and authorities. The researchers highlight the importance of trust within society in creating a robust and credible response to crises like war.
Researchers highlight how Ukraine's decentralization reforms empowered local communities to resist war and maintain society's functioning. Studies reveal how grassroots efforts, such as volunteering and participatory budgeting, helped keep essential services running despite extreme losses.
The Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey finds that Americans' knowledge of civics has increased, with over two-thirds able to name all three branches of government. However, trust in the Supreme Court continues to deteriorate, with nearly 60% holding little or no trust.
A new study found that warning voters about false claims and providing them with information on election security measures can increase confidence in the results. In the US and Brazil, prebunking was more effective than credible sources in decreasing beliefs about election fraud.
A new study says the international community must reverse cuts to Rohingya humanitarian aid and work with Dhaka authorities to improve conditions in refugee camps. The research emphasizes that both options – returning to Myanmar or remaining in camps – amount to social death, highlighting the urgent need for action.
A new open-access database, CampaignView, has been created to understand congressional elections. The database contains the biographies of over 5,000 major-party candidates who ran for the U.S. House of Representatives between 2018 and 2022.
A new study finds that partisan hostility is a key driver of protest participation in the US, exceeding concern for actual issues. Hostility towards opposing parties was a major factor in all three analyzed movements, with Americans in highly partisan counties more likely to protest.
Research reveals female candidates are less likely to receive media coverage and have fewer retweets than male counterparts. To overcome the gender penalty, experts argue that women need to invest more resources and skills in their campaigns.
Researchers found that voting behavior did not significantly change despite suspension of rights like freedom of assembly and movement. The estimated drop in vote share was between 0.8 and 1.7 percentage points, statistically insignificant.
A new study by Dr. Ekaterina Kolpinskaya found that Anglicans are disproportionately stable in their affective and electoral support for the Conservative Party, acting as a 'pocket of resistance' to changes in partisan politics. This suggests that religion continues to be socially and politically influential in modern Britain.
A new book by UC Merced Professor Christopher Ojeda examines the emotional toll of politics on citizens, highlighting the dangers of disenfranchisement and its impact on mental health. The author offers practical advice for creating space for healthy engagement in democracy.
A new global report highlights concerns about the state of democracy, with major democracies like the UK and US experiencing declines in electoral quality. Iceland tops the leader board for democracy, but experts warn that countries like Mexico, Indonesia and Russia are struggling with election integrity.
Researchers found that partial peace agreements play an important role in building trust and strengthening relationships between negotiators. These agreements offer strategic advantages, including consolidating incremental progress, serving as metrics, testing measures, and signaling a larger commitment to the peace process.
A study by the SmartVote project reveals a growing social concern about information manipulation, with far-right parties being major sources of false content on social networks. The report highlights the need to improve media literacy to combat disinformation and its impact on democratic quality.
The study analyzed 14.7 million excess US deaths from 1980 to 2023, finding that rates remained higher than pre-pandemic levels. Excess deaths during and after the pandemic were largely driven by pre-existing causes such as drug overdose, firearm injury, and cardiometabolic disease.
A study by Technical University of Munich and University of Vienna found that resistance to restrictive measures is often less robust than feared by policymakers. Once the new rules come into force, people's attitudes towards them decline significantly, revealing a psychological mechanism behind this phenomenon.
A majority of Americans support the role of courts and Congress as checks on presidential power, with high trust in institutions and a desire for judicial independence. Trust in the U.S. Supreme Court has declined since the 2022 Dobbs decision, but remains higher than other branches of government.
David Niven, a University of Cincinnati political scientist, has been awarded a $200,000 Andrew Carnegie Corporation fellowship to investigate the American polling system. His research aims to analyze how voters' experiences at the polls impact their views on voting.
A new paper by Laura Gamboa analyzes Venezuela's 25-year evolution, highlighting the importance of leveraging institutional spaces during democratic erasure. The study shows that using both radical strategies and institutional tactics can be effective in resisting authoritarian regimes.
A new study by the University of Notre Dame found that diverse understandings of democracy among voters can lead to votes for authoritarian-leaning political leaders. Voters who supported democracy in principle but adhered less strongly to liberal democratic norms were more likely to tolerate democratic violations.
A study published in Political Science Research & Method found that around one in six people falsely recall the party affiliation of a politician, with those who admire a hero more likely to see it as their own party. Researchers say this projection could be fuelling polarisation in politics.
A new study found that EU citizens' trust in the European Union has not increased as hoped after past crises. The research highlights growing discontent among citizens and points to factors such as economic upheaval, political strife, and emotional attachment to the EU as contributing to this crisis of confidence.
The State of the Nation Project report reveals stark contrasts in the US's global standing, with strong economic performance but weaknesses in areas like mental health and civic engagement. The country excels in poverty reduction but struggles with income inequality, life satisfaction, and citizenship.
A study by Technical University of Munich finds that digital violence discourages political participation, particularly among women, who experience sexualized online attacks. The survey shows that more than half of those affected modify their behavior, including giving up on politics entirely.
Rehm's research finds Abe's immigration reforms led to incremental changes in Japan's status quo, expanding foreign labor pathways but maintaining structural issues. The study suggests a potential shift toward 'country of immigration' in the short to medium term.
A recent survey found that 89% of Trump voters believe their country's values and prosperity are under threat, double the number of Kamala Harris supporters. This sense of threat resonated with many voters, who felt that a victory by the opposing candidate would be dangerous for America.
A new study surveyed over 6000 people from six countries, finding a global consensus on the definition of democracy. Competitive elections and civil liberties are consistently prioritized as key components of democracy, making it more likely for citizens to identify undemocratic behavior.
Researchers from Michigan State University found that voter purging in the state disproportionately affects lower-income and minority communities. The study suggests that these groups are more likely to be incorrectly identified for removal from voter rolls due to outdated data and inadequate verification processes.
A Rutgers University study suggests that hospitals can play a crucial role in strengthening political inclusion by aiding patients in voter registration. The study found that voters contacted in healthcare settings tend to be more racially and ethnically diverse, and younger, than those reached through traditional registration efforts.
The 'Indigenous People of West Africa' project aims to examine the consequences of colonial era resettlements and promote indigenous governance. Climate change exacerbates agricultural problems and land use conflicts with semi-nomadic groups in West Africa.
A recent study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people are more likely to support a politician who denies wrongdoing, especially if they share the same party affiliation. The research suggests that partisans tend to have different standards for different politicians, with those from their own party bei...
A new study found that Coloradans are still ambivalent about hosting the Olympics, with strong opposition from self-identified Republicans and Independents to taxpayer-funded bids. The research suggests that cities need to address public costs and make clear why they believe the costs will be worth it.
A study by MIT researchers found that the general public and policymakers take social media posts from world leaders just as seriously as traditional government statements. The research surveyed over 977 people about crisis signals in international relations, including tweets and official press releases. The results suggest that people...
A recent survey study of 12,000 participants found that firearm owners were only moderately more supportive of political violence than nonowners. Firearm owners who always carried firearms in public were more likely to support and engage in political violence, highlighting the need for risk-based prevention efforts.
A WVU researcher is studying newly released records of private communications between U.S. Supreme Court justices to learn how they interact and relate behind the scenes. The data, donated by Justice John Paul Stevens, may reveal insights into the collegiality between justices and their interactions on landmark cases.
A collection of essays from leading scholars explores the vulnerabilities in the US democratic system and proposes practical steps to strengthen and safeguard it. The authors examine the rise of fascist politics, divisive rhetoric, and social divisions that threaten American democracy.
A study by Dr Francesco Rigoli found that right-wing supporters tend to evaluate the past as more positive than left-wingers, while left-wingers are more optimistic about the future. This effect is observed across various countries, including the USA, UK, Italy, South Africa, Mexico, and Poland.