3 Questions: Jonathan Gruber on academics engaging with policymakers
Professor of economics cites the importance of initiatives like the MIT Policy Lab, which helps academics focus some energy on influencing public policy.
J-PAL North America announces five new partnerships with state and local governments
New partners will work with J-PAL to develop rigorous evaluations of policies related to criminal justice, health, housing stability, and economic security.
3 Questions: Ariel White on the impact of incarceration on voting
The political consequence of even short jail terms is disproportionately pushing African-American voters out of the electorate.
MIT student voting rates climb to nearly 40 percent
New technologies and campus engagement helped to spur a 26.4 percent increase in voting rates from 2014 to 2018.
What makes for better bureaucracy?
Political science PhD candidates Guillermo Toral and Tugba Bozcaga find that government-appointed officials deliver the goods — given the right circumstances.
!["In my view," says MIT Professor Elizabeth Wood, "the core motivation behind [election] interference is Russia's two-fold belief a) that the most important goal of the Russian state is world power status and b) that such status cannot be achieved without recourse to espionage and manipulation."](/sites/default/files/styles/term_page__news_article/public/images/201910/MIT-SHASS-elizabeth-wood.jpg?itok=eHrV6DI4)
3 Questions: Historian Elizabeth Wood on election interference
How do we understand Russia’s multi-layered interference in the 2016 elections? A Russia expert and professor of history analyzes Russia’s motives.
How cities can leverage citizen data while protecting privacy
Study offers models for preserving the privacy of citizens while using their data to improve government services.
Looking under the surface of politics in Latin America
Associate Professor Danny Hidalgo’s work reveals some difficult truths about money, elections, and political influence.
The permanent struggle for liberty
Daron Acemoglu’s new book examines the battle between state and society, which occasionally produces liberal-democratic freedom.
Reaching climate solutions through negotiation
At “SimPlanet” event, students test-drive new computer simulation to reveal outcomes of different policy decisions.
How “information gerrymandering” influences voters
Study analyzes how networks can distort voters’ perceptions and change election results.
3 Questions: Heather Hendershot on the state of US political discourse
Media historian and expert on conservatism considers the end of rational dialog.
Shift to renewable electricity a win-win at statewide level
MIT research finds health savings from cleaner air exceed policy costs.
3Q: John Tirman on a new US human rights commission
CIS executive director argues a recent commission launched by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is an attempt to redirect the human rights movement.
Visiting lecturer to spearhead project exploring the geopolitics of artificial intelligence
At MIT, Luis Videgaray, alumnus and former foreign minister of Mexico, will launch project to help shape international AI policies.