Punishment for the people
Professor Lily Tsai’s new book explains how “retributive justice,” the high-profile sanctioning of some in society, helps authoritarians solidify public support.
Maria Zuber testifies before Congress on striking the right balance between research security and openness
“U.S. competitiveness depends less on defensive measures than on what we do to strengthen our own capacities,” says MIT’s vice president for research.
Citizens emerge from the slums
PhD student Ying Gao's research reveals that the urban poor in the developing world are politically engaged and capable of effecting change.
MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences welcomes six new faculty
New professors join Comparative Media Studies/Writing, Economics, Literature, Philosophy, and Political Science.
Data flow’s decisive role on the global stage
New research by political science PhD candidate Meicen Sun illuminates the broad economic and political impacts of internet restrictions.
New views of autocracy emerge from historic archives
Political science PhD student Emilia Simison has found that despotic regimes vary, and the move to democracy doesn’t necessarily guarantee policy change.
What’s the next chapter in Afghanistan?
A panel of foreign-policy experts surveys the uncertainties facing the country as it returns to Taliban rule.
The laws of physics and the physics of law
Obiageli Nwodoh ’21 repurposed her STEM skills to pave a pre-law path at MIT and pursue social justice.
3 Questions: David Kaiser and Julie Shah on social and ethical responsibilities of computing
Advancing the study and practice of thinking responsibly in computing education, research, and implementation.
Making voting easier for previously incarcerated people
People rarely vote after being incarcerated. Associate Professor Ariel White wonders what can be done about it.
Apekshya Prasai receives 2021 Jeanne Guillemin Prize
The award, supporting women pursuing doctorates in security studies, will help the PhD candidate investigate the dynamics of women’s participation in conflict.
Inaugural fund supports early-stage collaborations between MIT and Jordan
MIT-Jordan Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation Seed Fund winners announced.
Study finds lockdowns effective at reducing travel in Sierra Leone
MIT researchers use cell tower data to show that movement during Covid-19-related lockdowns declined the most in wealthier areas with more people.
Governance innovation boot camp culminates in pitch night
Civil servants from Sierra Leone present ideas developed at a boot camp organized by MIT Governance Lab and Sierra Leone’s Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Melissa Nobles named MIT’s next chancellor
Dean of SHASS will move to senior academic post overseeing student life at the Institute.