Not Another Politics Podcast
By University of Chicago Podcast Network
With all the noise created by a 24/7 news cycle, it can be hard to really grasp what's going on in politics today. We provide a fresh perspective on the biggest political stories not through opinion and anecdotes, but rigorous scholarship, massive data sets and a deep knowledge of theory. Understand the political science beyond the headlines with Harris School of Public Policy Professors William Howell, Anthony Fowler and Wioletta Dziuda. Our show is part of the University of Chicago Podcast Network.
12 episodes
All Episodes
Median of Majority Coalition--Not Author--Drives Supreme Court Precedent
The Supreme Court's true power broker is the median justice within the majority coalition, not the opinion author, shaping precedent through internal bargaining.
View Episode Notes →
US Infrastructure Costs Driven By Citizen Voice Mechanisms
U.S. infrastructure costs skyrocket not from material expenses, but from democratic processes that empower citizen challenges. This creates costly delays and demands, impacting efficient public good delivery.
View Episode Notes →
Binary Questions Distort Public Opinion, Empower Extremes
Binary questions distort public opinion, creating an illusion of polarization that empowers extremes. Discover how nuanced measurement reveals a less divided electorate and informs better policy.
View Episode Notes →
Dishonesty Selects for Public Service, Amplifying Systemic Inequity
Academic dishonesty predicts entry and success in public service, suggesting institutions may inadvertently select for those who lack integrity, with downstream consequences for governance.
View Episode Notes →
AI Accelerates Research But Demands Rigorous Human Audit
AI accelerates research but risks spreading plausible inaccuracies. Human audit is crucial to validate AI outputs and ensure trustworthy, accurate findings.
View Episode Notes →
Primary Elections Explain Tiny Fraction of Congressional Polarization
Primary elections explain only 1% of congressional polarization, challenging the idea that they drive lawmaker extremism. Other factors are more influential.
View Episode Notes →
Politicians' Cynical Voter Theories Fuel Disillusionment and Misguided Campaigns
Politicians misjudge voters as short-sighted and single-issue focused, a consistent global view that disconnects them from citizens' more rational, policy-oriented self-perceptions.
View Episode Notes →
Psychology Professors Self-Censor Controversial Empirical Conclusions Due to Social Sanctions
Psychology professors self-censor controversial conclusions, fearing social repercussions more than job loss, creating a distorted view of academic consensus.
View Episode Notes →
Gerrymandering: Not a National Advantage, But Fewer Competitive Seats
Partisan gerrymandering offers minimal national advantage but significantly reduces electoral competition, creating safer districts and potentially increasing polarization.
View Episode Notes →
Extremist Nominees Trigger Major Fundraising Penalties
Nominating extreme candidates costs parties significantly in general election fundraising, especially in competitive districts, as donors prioritize electability over ideology, weakening their moderating influence.
View Episode Notes →
Populism's Stagnant Economy and Eroding Institutions
Populist leaders erode democratic institutions and stunt GDP per capita by about 10% over a decade, failing to reduce inequality and ushering in prolonged stagnation.
View Episode Notes →
Political Science Research: A Crisis of Statistical Power
Most political science studies have a mere 10-20% chance of detecting a real effect, meaning published findings are unreliable and effect sizes are massively inflated due to pervasive underpowering.
View Episode Notes →