political science

What cute dogs can teach us about democracy

A group of Northeastern students has spent the semester devising voting procedures that could, at the same time, improve the U.S. political system and determine who in Northeastern’s philosophy and religion department has the cutest dog.

by Laura Castañón April 19, 2019

Four things we’ve learned about America from the midterm elections

Democrats took control of the U.S. House of Representatives, but Republicans retained control of the Senate in the 2018 midterm elections, which two Northeastern political scientists sees as a desire among voters for a balance of power in government, but something short of a broad repudiation of President Donald Trump.

by Greg St. Martin November 7, 2018

Study: Despite Trump’s win, polling is a strong elections predictor globally

Leading up to the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the majority of polls had Democrat Hillary Clinton edging out Republican Donald Trump. When Trump won, criticism…

by Greg St. Martin February 2, 2017

3Qs: The ‘perfect storm’ that led to Brazil’s drastic and rapid decline

The state of Brazil in 2009, when Rio de Janeiro was awarded the Summer Olympics, stands in stark contrast to the state of the nation today. As the world turns its focus to Rio for tonight’s Opening Ceremonies, associate professor Thomas Vicino explains Brazil's change of fortune.

by Joe O'Connell August 5, 2016

Student photographer captures life in post-genocide Rwanda

Ali Campbell, SSH’17, wants to combine the rigors of research with the art of photography to effect social change. Her upcoming photo exhibit, “Rwanda Unseen,” is a prime example.

by Jason Kornwitz March 23, 2016

3Qs: How politicians are using your data to influence your vote

The campaign for Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz is working with a British data company to develop behavior-based models of American voters. As voters head to the polls today as part of Super Tuesday, we asked professor Nick Beauchamp if the practice, called microtargeting, is the quintessential form of political persuasion or simply a dirty trick played on the unwitting public.

by Jason Kornwitz March 1, 2016

Professor brings science to the art of persuasion

Assistant professor Nick Beauchamp has brought science to the art of crafting persuasive text for things like advertisements and political talking points. A study found the algorithm he created generated persuasive text that shifted people’s opinions of President Barack Obama’s healthcare law.

by Greg St. Martin November 3, 2015

The evolution of constitutional federalism

Associate professor of political science Michael Tolley spent his Constitution Day lecture examining why “federalism is the cardinal question of American constitutional law,” as former President Woodrow Wilson once put it. His lecture coincided with the day commemorating the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution 228 years ago.

by Greg St. Martin September 18, 2015

Campus forum analyzes Paris attacks

Five Northeastern faculty members participated in an interdisciplinary forum examining January’s attacks in Paris and their place in the larger context of conflicts, terrorism, free speech, and inequality.

by Joe O'Connell March 6, 2015

Understanding Ferguson

An interdisciplinary panel of Northeastern University professors convened on Wednesday night to discuss the factors that contributed to and arose from the shooting death of an unarmed teenager this summer in Ferguson, Missouri.

by Joe O'Connell October 31, 2014