Rochester professor part of national campaign finance task force
In a new research report, professor David Primo argues that there’s a disconnect between what the public believe about campaign finance law and the reality, and that many popular reform proposals unlikely to bring the desired results.
Political scientist Primo says Americans should worry about government control of social media
Congress is currently considering legislation that would regulate political advertising on social media.
William Riker Prize in Political Science goes to MIT’s Acemoglu and Chicago’s Robinson
The long-time collaborators and co-authors of Why Nations Fail were honored by the University’s Department of Political Science for their work toward essentially building a new theory of political economy.
Time’s ticking as ‘Doomsday Clock’ scientists meet
As the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists meets to evaluate scenarios for man-made catastrophe, Rochester scientists worry current risk levels are “way too high.”
Political experts say U.S. democracy healthier than public thinks
The third Bright Line Watch survey, co-authored by Rochester political scientist Gretchen Helmke, focuses on the health of U.S. democratic institutions and compares the results from thousands of political professionals with the general public.
University alumnus wins MacArthur ‘genius grant’
Historian Derek Peterson ’93 has been awarded one of this year’s John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation fellowships—commonly known as the “genius grant”—for his work in reshaping the understanding of African colonialism and nationalism.
Drinks with the chief on a memorable weekend
Naomi Rutagarama ’18 reports on a visit to Kumasi, the seat of power of the Ashanti kingdom, where an important ceremony takes place every sixth Sunday.
Six new faculty books for summer reading lists
The hostess of a popular Parisian salon, the role of presidential power, and bullying and aggression among teenage girls are among the topics examined in new books by Rochester faculty. Here’s a selection of recent work.
Seniors in social sciences take on big policy questions
In their senior capstone projects, students take on original research on topics as varied as housing policy in South Africa and campaign spending in the United States.
Website to help social scientists with field research
When conducting field research around the world, young social scientists can often feel as if they are starting from scratch. A new website envisioned by political scientist Gretchen Helmke will help scholars share resources with other social scientists on the ground.