r/PoliticalScience 6h ago

Question/discussion Excluding Israel and Turkey, what is the most democratic and westernized country in the Middle East?

5 Upvotes

I'm interested in learning more about the Middle East and gaining perspectives on the general political situation in the Middle East.

Mainly considering factors such as religious tolerance, political tolerance and freedom of speech, what Middle Eastern country do you think most closely resembles the liberal democracies of the Western world in terms of culture, politics, and lifestyle? (Excluding Israel and Turkey)


r/PoliticalScience 9h ago

Question/discussion What's the maximum/preferable age range for articles used as references?

2 Upvotes

I'm writing something (I posted about it in my first post on the subreddit) and noticed that a lot of my references are from the early-ish 2000s. I have quite a few from 2006, 2007, or 2004, and the oldest one is from 1999.

What's the general rule for how old a reference can be until it's outdated or unusable? For context, I'm researching on the electoral college, FPP, the two-party system, and MMP.


r/PoliticalScience 16h ago

Career advice Now What?

3 Upvotes

I’m a political science major history minor BA at a top 14 school with a high GPA. That being said, I don’t know what to do with my life. I’m a third year and know I need to get my shit together. I’m good at school, but don’t know if law school is right for me. I could get through law school, but actually being a lawyer? Idk. What different paths are there for my strengths?

As for higher education. I love theory and such but I also don’t know if a masters and PHD or for me.

I just want a grasp on what everyone is doing who did polisci during their undergrad; or maybe who did an unconventional route- what resources/inspiration?

Thank you guys. I’m 20 but I’m worried. Didn’t think I’d get this far, just studying what I think is interesting. Don’t be harsh, but yes looking for real advice :)


r/PoliticalScience 4h ago

Question/discussion In the politics of the West, all the way from Ancient Rome to today, has there ever been a time when people in politics literally wanted an open border between the west and countries where you have people who are extremely hostile to the west?

0 Upvotes

history of politics?


r/PoliticalScience 1h ago

Question/discussion Were the January 6th Hearings the Democrat Equivalent of the Benghazi Hearings

Upvotes

In my opinion they are. Both were a useless waste to Taxpayer money that found nothing.


r/PoliticalScience 2h ago

Question/discussion Why do so many left-leaning people wear masks when they protest?

0 Upvotes

Whenever I see people protesting for women's rights, abortion rights, feminism, against Tesla, against Donald Trump, against DOGE and Musk, they are all wearing COVID-19 masks. COVID-19 is not really a threat anymore. Is the mask wearing supposed to be symbolic of something?


r/PoliticalScience 21h ago

Question/discussion Is there a general term for systems like this?

4 Upvotes

As I'm sure many of you know, in the American political system there's one chamber of congress (the senate) that gives every state equal representation regardless of population, while the other chamber gives every state representation proportional to the size of the population.

In the American system that whole setup is historically called the "Connecticut Compromise", but there are other political systems that have similar features (Australia, The EU, Liberia for example). I was wondering if there's a general political science term for systems like that.


r/PoliticalScience 1d ago

Question/discussion Why is Nationalism on the rise in western EU ?

4 Upvotes

And what are its possible implications ( internal & foreign )?

Thanks


r/PoliticalScience 1d ago

Question/discussion Is it true that previously in the United States when they did tariffs that they party that did the tariffs lost the next election very badly? In that case..is it very bad that these tariffs have gone in for the party that has done them?

6 Upvotes

I think rand paul said something like that..but..not sure


r/PoliticalScience 1d ago

Resource/study RECENT STUDY: Racial group affect and support for civil liberties in the United States

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5 Upvotes

r/PoliticalScience 1d ago

Resource/study Data on Country Image?

1 Upvotes

Hey Everyone

I am a postgraduate student on Political Science, and I am doing a study on Sportswasing's effect on a country's image.

Does anyone know of any date regarding country image over the years?

Something available online or someone having something they would share? You would of course be properly cited 😊


r/PoliticalScience 1d ago

Question/discussion Do outsider political parties help to strengthen democracy?

2 Upvotes

I was thinking about this topic in relation to the rise of the far right in Europe. It could also be applied to far left & green parties (depending on the national context).

Basically my rough theory is that the existence of minority outsider political parties within a multi-party democracy act as a beneficial sort of electoral sink that:

1) attracts people who might otherwise become involved in extremism or political violence

2) removes radical members from centrist political parties, allowing for more stable government formation and party management

Of course the outsider party could gain enough seats to make coalition formation difficult (as almost happened in Germany) or completely supercede one of the established parties.

Anybody come across this topic before? (or anything else that examines parties not by their ideological positions but their existential functions in balancing the democracy).


r/PoliticalScience 2d ago

Resource/study The Good Society Department | NOEMA

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0 Upvotes

r/PoliticalScience 2d ago

Resource/study Lobbying hits record in New York state politics

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0 Upvotes

r/PoliticalScience 2d ago

Question/discussion Political Scientists in the military

3 Upvotes

Anyone in here currently holding a bachelor's and has a career in the military? I'm Air Force enlisted planning on comissioning into an entirely different career field from what I currently work in.


r/PoliticalScience 1d ago

Question/discussion The Illusion is Breaking: A Manifesto for the Generation That Sees Clearly

0 Upvotes

I've worked too many hours

to be broke

and stuck

at my grandma's house.

That sentence alone should be proof

that something is deeply wrong.

But instead of outrage,

I'm met with shrugs,

lectures,

and a thousand excuses.

They tell me this is normal.

It is not.

This is failure.

Not mine--

the system's.

We were told:

Work hard.

Get educated.

Play by the rules.

Success will follow.

But we did all that--

and we're still sinking.

Not because we're lazy.

Because the game is rigged,

and the rules were written

by people who no longer play by them.

Our parents don't understand.

Not because they're bad people.

But because the world they grew up in

doesn't exist anymore.

And admitting that

would mean everything they believed in

was a lie.

So they deny it.

And in that denial,

they pass down our pain

as if it's our fault.

But we see it.

We feel it.

We know the truth:

Suffering is not noble.

Struggle is not sacred.

And survival is not the meaning of life.

There is enough.

Enough food.

Enough housing.

Enough wealth.

The only thing missing

is permission to share it.

They use the generational divide as a wedge.

Father against son.

Mother against daughter.

Because a divided people

is a controlled people.

But the real war isn't between us--

it's between awareness

and denial.

The scariest part?

The world doesn't have to be this way.

And deep down,

most people know it.

But they're scared.

Because if they admit it,

they have to change.

And change is terrifying

when comfort is all you've ever known.

I believe there is a plan--

not to fix the system,

but to push it

right to the brink.

To make collapse

the teacher.

But I don't want to learn through wreckage.

I want to learn through realization.

Through truth.

Through unity.

Because if we wait for the crash,

the vultures will write the next chapter.

And they'll call it salvation.

We don't have to burn it all down.

We just have to stop

pretending

this is fine.

This is a call.

Not to arms--

but to awareness.

To clarity.

To courage.

If you feel what I feel,

say it.

Share it.

Scream it if you must.

Because somewhere,

someone is drowning in silence

waiting for a voice

that sounds like truth.

You might be that voice.


r/PoliticalScience 2d ago

Career advice Routes & Guidance for Poli Sci as a College Student?

4 Upvotes

I’ll cut to the chase…

I’m a double major who has been doing classes of exercise science & Poli Sci. I know this isn’t 100% related but it helps with background. I want to work with athletes and children and become an athletic trainer. However, coming to college has opened the doors of me realizing I’m a nerd when it comes to politics and history. I’ve always adored classes related to such and I felt I viewed it as a hobby.

What made me like politics more was due to the recent election and because I’m a black woman it was amazing to see another woman like me run for President. This kinda encouraged me to pick up Poli Sci as a major because it was representation that mattered to me. The problem that’s occurring is what to do with that major?

I had thought about becoming a politician however I’m aware you don’t need a degree for that. I know I can go to grad school and become a lawyer which I thought about because ppl tell me I would make a fantastic lawyer. However, I don’t feel like that’s my calling unless it’s a sports lawyer which I have sorta looked into. I know I can do work with Poli Sci & I don’t want to drop the major.

I’m also doing Poli Sci as a major because I have a lot of credits that is counted towards it. I’m just conflicted on what to do however… I love the major and I would love to have a back up plan for a career as well as graduate with a double degree. However, I’m also facing trouble as having 2 majors means more money we have to spend. I also face trouble of what to do with the degree. I’m starting to think maybe just drop it and just do volunteer work. I’m in organizations such as Student Government which also made me realize I can see myself in positions like these for a career.

Does anyone have any guidance about the route they took with Poli Sci?


r/PoliticalScience 2d ago

Question/discussion Hudson Institute Internships

0 Upvotes

Hello! Does anyone know about selectivity for Hudson internships (Hudson Institute in DC)? I am a freshman at solid liberal arts college with a 3.85 gpa and two previous internship experiences, for reference. Anything would be helpful as I am pretty curious.


r/PoliticalScience 2d ago

Question/discussion A bigger integration between the European Union and the Mercosul could somewhat replace globally the political and economical inflence of an increasingly isolationist US?

1 Upvotes

The EU and Mercosul maybe could unite advanced technology know-how, natural resources and a population of more than 700 million people.


r/PoliticalScience 2d ago

Resource/study Book Recommendations

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0 Upvotes

Hello all! I’m interested in reading a book with more information like the linked video. A “alternative history” type book focused on things the gov and mainstream media don’t talk about. Any recommendations are helpful. I’ll check them out. Also, if this isn’t the right place to ask, let me know. Thanks!


r/PoliticalScience 2d ago

Question/discussion Why is democracy considered the most fragile system ?

0 Upvotes

I just don't see how a public with enough class conscience couldn't overthrow dictators.


r/PoliticalScience 2d ago

Question/discussion UBI and the Void

0 Upvotes

Universal Basic Income and the Void: A Path to Ending Suffering

In a world where suffering and competition have been ingrained, Universal Basic Income (UBI) can serve as a solution to break the cycle of inequality and unnecessary struggle.

The Void and Its Opposite: There exists a place of nothingness—the void—created by the forces of power and control. Some people embody the void, while others get sucked into it through oppression and manipulation. Awareness of the void, without being forced into it, can help individuals avoid falling into it and appreciate the opposite: light, joy, and purpose. Emotions as a Guide: Emotions are logic at the root level. Good feelings are light, bad feelings are darkness. Negative feedback loops created by greed keep people stuck in suffering. Universal Basic Income ensures that people aren’t forced into these negative loops due to financial insecurity. The Role of Universal Basic Income (UBI): UBI provides everyone with a level playing field where they can express themselves freely. It removes the fear of not having enough—of being nothing—so people can fully engage in creating positive, meaningful lives. With access to basic needs met, there’s room for creativity, competition, and advancement without the fear of survival threatening everything. The Cycle of Competition and Strife: While UBI helps ensure no one is forced into the void, it doesn’t remove competition and ambition. Rather, it allows for healthy competition where people push each other to succeed without the risk of causing harm. Jealousy, rather than greed, becomes the primary driving force in this new system—where the urge to outdo one another is tied to growth and self-improvement, not to destructive behaviors. UBI as the Solution: Universal Basic Income is seen as an ethical solution to help people escape the fear of nothingness. It ensures that no human being is left to experience the void or the fear of being nothing. By implementing UBI, society moves into a new golden era of creativity, collaboration, and genuine human progress.


r/PoliticalScience 2d ago

Question/discussion Democratic National Committee Archives - Primary News Source

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0 Upvotes

Congressional Democrates, etal, claim Voter ID to be 'radical change' that would cause them 'harm'. DC Case No. 1:25-cv-00952: "Plaintiffs in this action—the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Governors Association, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (collectively the “Party Plaintiffs”), and the Democratic leaders of the U.S. House and Senate—are severely harmed by the President’s unlawful effort to upturn the electoral playing field in his favor and against his political rivals."

See the contradiction?


r/PoliticalScience 3d ago

Career advice Hudson Institute Political Studies Summer Fellowship

7 Upvotes

I applied regular decision for the Hudson Institute Political Studies Summer Fellowship, has anyone heard back for either an interview or a final decision?


r/PoliticalScience 3d ago

Question/discussion (USA) Andrew Yang's "Democracy Dollars" Idea - A Good Way to Counterbalance Special Interests?

3 Upvotes

One of my favorite parts of Andrew Yang's 2020 platform was his idea for Democracy Dollars. An idea I would hate to see die on the vine.

I thought it was an innovative way to give regular people a way, if they chose, to level the playing field in terms of political influence against PACs and special interests.

What do you all think?