WashU Expert: What’s at stake in Biden’s gamble
Known as a “gamble for resurrection,” leaders in crisis have long pursued risky actions in a final attempt to resurrect their careers. Dan Butler, professor of political science in Arts & Sciences, says the Democratic party is currently weighing its own gamble following Biden’s disappointing first debate.
Reframing voting as ‘duty to others’ key to increasing engagement, turnout
New research by Hannah Birnbaum, assistant professor of organizational behavior at Olin Business School, suggests that when people view voting as a duty to others — rather than to themselves — they’re more likely to feel an obligation to vote.
Ten Commandments display probably not legal
Louisiana’s recent legislation requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom is likely unconstitutional under the current framework of the Establishment Clause, said an expert on law and religion at Washington University in St. Louis.
Through the Grapevine
Socially Transmitted Information and Distorted Democracy
An enlightening examination of what it means when Americans rely on family and friends to stay on top of politics. Accurate information is at the heart of democratic functioning. For decades, researchers interested in how information is disseminated have focused on mass media, but the reality is that many Americans today do not learn about […]
Book explores consequences of political conversations
In her new book, political scientist Taylor Carlson, in Arts & Sciences, explores how political information changes as it flows from the news media to person to person. Her research shows that socially transmitted information becomes sparse, biased, less accurate and mobilizing — fueling a “distorted democracy.”
Oppenheimer named Religion & Politics executive editor
Mark Oppenheimer, a well-known religion journalist and author, is the new executive editor of Religion & Politics, an online journal published by WashU’s John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics.
War magnifies politicians’ gendered behavior, public biases, research finds
In the early days of conflict when tension and fear are heightened, new research from political scientists in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis finds women politicians are less likely to engage with the public and, when they do, are more likely to take on more nurturing roles.
Find Me the Votes
A Hard-Charging Georgia Prosecutor, a Rogue President, and the Plot to Steal an American Election
The epic inside story of the prosecution of a president, by Michael Isikoff, AB ’74 and Daneil Klaidman.
Can’t we all just get along?
A new book from the School of Law’s John Inazu offers a path for disagreeing productively and living joyfully in our divided society.
Preventing another ‘Jan. 6’ starts by changing how elections are certified, experts say
In a new paper published in the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Daniel M. Butler, in Arts & Sciences, argues that elections should be certified by nonpartisan commissions, rather than elected officials, to insulate the process from partisan influence.
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