Featured Research
How Campaigns Actually Persuade Voters
2024
Do political campaigns really change minds? Using a unique archive of over 600 real campaign experiments, we reveal that campaigns can indeed persuade voters, but the effects are smaller and more targeted than commonly believed. This groundbreaking study provides the first large-scale evidence of how political persuasion works in practice.
Read the full study
When Infrastructure Wins Elections
2024
Can bringing electricity to rural communities boost a government's electoral chances? Our analysis of Brazil's massive rural electrification program shows that voters do reward incumbents for tangible improvements to their daily lives. This research demonstrates how infrastructure investments can reshape electoral landscapes in developing democracies.
Read the full study
When Leaders Lead Citizens Astray
2024
What happens when political elites openly defy rules and norms? Using innovative survey experiments, we show that when leaders signal non-compliance with democratic institutions, ordinary citizens become more likely to break rules themselves. This research reveals a dangerous pathway through which democratic erosion can accelerate.
Read the full study
What Motivates Political Participation in Africa
2023
Why do some citizens actively participate in politics while others remain disengaged? Our comprehensive study of Zambian voters reveals that party loyalty, ethnic identity, and material incentives all play crucial but distinct roles in driving political participation. These findings challenge conventional wisdom about African electoral behavior.
Read the full study
The Limits of AI Political Persuasion
2025
As AI language models become more sophisticated, concerns grow about their potential to manipulate political opinions. Our cutting-edge experiments reveal that while larger AI models can be more persuasive, the returns diminish quickly. This research provides crucial evidence for understanding AI's role in future political campaigns.
Read the full study
Politics and Parenthood Don't Mix (Or Do They?)
2024
Should politicians take parental leave? Our research reveals complex public attitudes toward MPs who prioritize family responsibilities. While many support work-life balance in principle, voters still penalize politicians who seem to put parenting before politics, revealing persistent tensions between traditional political expectations and modern family values.
Read the full study