Political Science
Do Debates Change Voters' Minds? Here's What the Research Says.
As 20 Democratic contenders face off this week, here's a look at some stories from our archives that offer insight into the format.
How Camera Framing Can Change Voters' Perceptions in Primary Debates
Timely new research reveals that, in televised debates, producers give some candidates a more favorable visual treatment than others—and in 2016, the big winner was Donald Trump.
Fear-Based Climate Appeals Can Be Counterproductive
New research suggests that environmental groups can persuade more people by focusing on a positive attitude toward climate action.
Women Presidents Are Judged More Harshly
Sexism doesn't stop once a woman gets into the nation's highest office, according to new research.
Voters Expect Female Politicians to Be Perfect Mothers Too
Unlike men, they need to convince voters they can simultaneously fill the roles of homemaker and public official.
New Research Suggests That Government Spending Can Spread Happiness
Want a content citizenry? Try allocating tax dollars to roads, parks, and libraries.
How Trump Is Damaging Democracy, According to One Political Scientist
A Cornell University government scholar warns that false claims of voter fraud have dangerous long-term implications.
Civil Rights Protests in the 1960s Changed Attitudes and Voting Patterns
New research presents evidence of the long-term impact of direct action.
Yes, the Mid-Terms Were a Blue Wave
Political scientist David Faris argues that Tuesday's mid-terms were a clear repudiation of President Donald Trump and his party.
The Crisis in Political Science Education
Political science professors are increasingly being forced to choose which form of inclusivity to prioritize. That decision will have a large impact on the face of higher education for decades to come.
Parties, Not Voters, Perform the Organizational Work of Democracy
In politics, individuality is overrated.
The Norms We Won't Miss
Donald Trump has upended our view of the presidency. Are there some conventions that are better off dead?
Trump Is Unraveling the Foundational Stitchings of American Scholarship
Trump is forcing academics to re-evaluate their roles as beacons of information.
How to Chair a University Department and Not Be Terrible at It
Lessons from five years running a political science department that could apply to almost any job in management.
Good Riddance, Election 2016
For a political scientist who cares about our system, it’s disheartening that a candidate can do pretty much everything in his power to disqualify himself from office and still be within a few percentage points of winning.
A Failed Theory or a Failed Republican Party?
What exactly would a Donald Trump nomination mean for political science?
Donald Trump's Very Expensive Gift to Political Science
Think you can buy high office? Trump's about to prove you wrong.
The Next Clinton Campaign
The campaign can matter, and Hillary Clinton has already won the parts where it does.
The 30 Top Thinkers Under 30: The Military Brat Committed to Empowering Young Girls and People of Color
We canvassed the world of the social and behavioral sciences, looking for rising stars whose careers promise to make a lasting mark. We'll be profiling the top 30 throughout the month of April.
The 30 Top Thinkers Under 30: The Survey Leader for Barack Obama’s Campaign Still Helping Progressive Politicians
We canvassed the world of the social and behavioral sciences, looking for rising stars whose careers promise to make a lasting mark. We'll be profiling the top 30 throughout the month of April.
The 30 Top Thinkers Under 30: The Greco-Roman History Devotee Who Believes Running for Office Should Be Easier
We canvassed the world of the social and behavioral sciences, looking for rising stars whose careers promise to make a lasting mark. We'll be profiling the top 30 throughout the month of April.
Thirty Under 30: The Top Young Thinkers in Economics, Education, and Political Science
Throughout the month of April we're profiling the individuals who made our second-annual list of the 30 top thinkers under 30, the young people we predict will have an impact on the social, political, and economic issues we make it our mission to cover every day at Pacific Standard.
What's in a (Islamic) State?
The brutal violence the Islamic State has used to control its territory is as much as part of its establishment of a state in Syria and Iraq as are the services it provides.
The 30 Top Thinkers Under 30: Tejas Parasher, 23, Political Science
For the month of April we're profiling the individuals who made our inaugural list of the 30 top thinkers under 30, the young men and women we predict will have a serious impact on the social, political, and economic issues we cover every day here at Pacific Standard.