Political Science Digest

Episode 8. At Any Cost—Inside Ukraine’s Resolve to Resist Russia

Ever wondered how far citizens are willing to go to defend their country? In this episode, we unpack Janina Dill and Carl Müller's eye-opening study, "At Any Cost: How Ukrainians Think about Self-Defense Against Russia," exploring the depths of Ukraine’s determination amid Russia’s invasion.
We translate rigorous academic research into an accessible discussion, revealing Ukrainians' views on military resistance, territorial concessions, and the human cost of war. How do ordinary citizens balance survival with sovereignty? What shapes their resolve in the face of overwhelming odds?
📖 Citation: Dill, Janina, and Carl Müller-Crepon. 2023. "At Any Cost: How Ukrainians Think about Self-Defense Against Russia." American Journal of Political Science. [doi:10.1111/ajps.12781]
Got thoughts or questions? Engage with us at 📩 contact@politicalsciencedigest.com.
Join us as we explore resilience and sacrifice in Ukraine, one digestible episode at a time!

Episode 7. America's Hidden Immigration Consensus—Who Do We Really Want?

Ever wondered if there's actually a hidden consensus about immigration among Americans? In this episode, we explore Jens Hainmueller and Daniel J. Hopkins' groundbreaking paper, "The Hidden American Immigration Consensus," revealing surprising insights about American preferences on who should be admitted as immigrants.
We simplify complex academic findings into accessible discussions, uncovering which immigrant attributes—like education, language ability, job status, and country of origin—most influence public attitudes. Is America really as divided on immigration as media suggests, or is there underlying common ground?
📖 Citation: Hainmueller, Jens, and Daniel J. Hopkins. 2015. "The Hidden American Immigration Consensus: A Conjoint Analysis of Attitudes toward Immigrants." American Journal of Political Science 59(3): 529–548. [doi:10.1111/ajps.12138]
Thoughts or questions? Engage with us at 📩 contact@politicalsciencedigest.com.
Join us as we reveal America's hidden attitudes toward immigration, one digestible episode at a time

Episode 6. Populists and Conspiracy Theories—Why Leaders Turn to Conspiracism

Ever wondered why populist leaders frequently embrace conspiracy theories once in power? In this episode, we delve into Andrea LP Pirro and Paul Taggart's insightful paper, "Populists in Power and Conspiracy Theories," exploring how and why populists strategically use conspiracy theories to maintain their political appeal.
We translate complex scholarly insights into clear discussions, examining who populists target, when conspiracy theories emerge, and why these narratives are effective in rallying support or deflecting criticism. What does this tell us about the nature of populist governance?
📖 Citation: Pirro, Andrea LP, and Paul Taggart. 2023. "Populists in Power and Conspiracy Theories." Party Politics 29(3): 413–423. [doi:10.1177/13540688211003304]
Have thoughts or questions? Engage with us at 📩 contact@politicalsciencedigest.com.
Join us as we uncover the strategies behind populist conspiracism, one digestible episode at a time!

Episode 5. Weak, Despotic, or Inclusive? How States Emerge from Elite vs. Society Battles

Ever wondered why some states become strong democracies, others oppressive regimes, or remain weak and fragmented? In this episode, we explore Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson's influential paper, "Weak, Despotic, or Inclusive? How State Type Emerges from State versus Civil Society Competition," unpacking the ongoing struggle between elites and society in shaping state capacity.
We clarify complex academic insights, discussing how the balance of power determines whether a state becomes despotic, weak, or inclusive. What factors tip the scales toward democracy or dictatorship?
📖 Citation: Acemoglu, Daron, and James A. Robinson. 2023. "Weak, Despotic, or Inclusive? How State Type Emerges from State versus Civil Society Competition." American Political Science Review 117(2): 407–420. [doi:10.1017/S0003055422000740]
Thoughts or questions? Engage with us at 📩 contact@politicalsciencedigest.com.
Join us as we navigate state development, one digestible episode at a time!

Episode 4. Does Modernization Lead to Democracy?

Ever wondered how economic development shapes democratic societies? In this episode, we explore Ronald Inglehart and Christian Welzel's groundbreaking paper, "Changing Mass Priorities: The Link between Modernization and Democracy," diving into the fascinating connection between economic growth, cultural shifts, and democratic governance.
We break down sophisticated academic discussions into accessible conversations about how modernization transforms values, attitudes, and public demands, influencing the rise and stability of democracies.
📖 Citation: Inglehart, R., & Welzel, C. (2010). Changing Mass Priorities: The Link between Modernization and Democracy. Perspectives on Politics, 8(2), 551–567. [doi:10.1017/S1537592710001258]
Have thoughts or questions? We're eager to hear from you—reach out at 📩 contact@politicalsciencedigest.com.
Join us in exploring the forces shaping democracy, one digestible episode at a time!

Episode 3. The Revival of Nationalism—What Drives It and What's Next?

Have you wondered why nationalism has returned as a powerful force shaping global politics? In this episode, we delve into Harris Mylonas and Maya Tudor's insightful paper, "Nationalism: What We Know and What We Still Need to Know," unpacking historical patterns, contemporary trends, and the future of nationalism.
We simplify complex academic discussions about nation-building, identity politics, and why nationalism resonates today more than ever. Is nationalism inherently divisive, or can it unite societies? What gaps in our understanding still remain?
📖 Citation: Mylonas, Harris, and Maya Tudor. 2021. "Nationalism: What We Know and What We Still Need to Know." Annual Review of Political Science 24:109–32. [https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-polisci-041719-101841]
Have questions or thoughts? Let's discuss—reach us at 📩 contact@politicalsciencedigest.com.
Join us as we explore the complexities of nationalism, one digestible episode at a time!

Episode 2. Who Wins and Who Loses in a Trade War? The US–China Case

Ever wondered how trade wars affect our economies? In this episode, we explore Pablo D. Fajgelbaum and Amit K. Khandelwal's compelling paper, "The Economic Impacts of the US–China Trade War," breaking down the real-world consequences of recent tariff battles. Did tariffs help or hurt consumers and producers in the US and China? What were the wider global impacts?
We turn complex economic analysis into accessible discussions, covering tariff pass-through, employment effects, and who ultimately bears the costs of trade disputes.
📖 Citation: Fajgelbaum, Pablo D., and Amit K. Khandelwal. 2022. "The Economic Impacts of the US–China Trade War." Annual Review of Economics 14:205–28. [https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-economics-051420-110410]
Got thoughts or questions? We're eager to discuss—reach us at 📩 contact@politicalsciencedigest.com.
Join us in exploring economic realities, one digestible episode at a time!
 

Episode 1. The Causes of Populism in the West

Ever wondered why populism is sweeping across Western democracies? In our very first episode, we dive into Sheri Berman's influential paper, "The Causes of Populism in the West," unpacking the critical factors behind the surge of populist politics in the United States, Europe, and beyond.
We break down complex academic insights into lively, easy-to-follow discussions, exploring economic insecurities, cultural anxieties, and institutional breakdowns. Is it the economy that's fueling populist movements, or are deeper cultural issues at play? How have political elites and institutions failed citizens, paving the way for populist leaders?
Join us as we unravel these questions and more, blending rigorous research with real-world implications. We highly recommend reading Sheri Berman’s insightful paper for a deeper understanding:
📖 Citation: Berman, Sheri. 2021. "The Causes of Populism in the West." Annual Review of Political Science 24:71–88. [https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-polisci-041719-102503]
Got thoughts or questions? We're eager to discuss with you—reach us at 📩 contact@politicalsciencedigest.com.
Let's explore political science together, one digestible episode at a time!