Analysis & Theories

The erosion of truth as a democratic norm is starkly illustrated by the political strategies of President Donald Trump, in which factual accuracy is systematically subordinated to ideological loyalty.
BooksAnalysis & Theories

Truth and Authoritarianism in America

Building on his new book On Truth in Politics: Why Democracy Demands It (Princeton University Press, 2025), Michael Patrick Lynch examines why defending truth is essential to democratic life.

By
Michael Patrick Lynch
17 Min Read
Milton Friedman, Politics and Corporate Social Responsibility
A bronze statue of the "Fearless Girl" stands confidently with hands on her hips, facing the iconic "Charging Bull" of Wall Street. The image symbolizes the tension between corporate power and evolving values of Corporate Social Responsibility, inclusivity, and sustainability in modern business practices.
Analysis & Theories
14 Min Read
The Political Psychology of Nativism
The image shows President Donald Trump preparing to sign a plaque along the Texas-Mexico border wall in January 2021. This act symbolizes nativist ideology, emphasizing the protection of national identity by reinforcing borders and justifying strict measures against perceived outsiders. The border wall itself became a key symbol of nativism, reflecting efforts to maintain a homogeneous national identity.
Analysis & Theories
14 Min Read
The Populism Trap: Discontents and Challenges to Democracy
The image depicts a populist movement, with Le Pen often associated with right-wing populism in France.
BooksAnalysis & Theories
16 Min Read
Liberal Democracy and Illiberal Minorities
This image captures the striking contrast between the simple, traditional life of an Amish girl and the broader ideals of liberal democracy, emphasizing individual freedom and modernity. Explore how these two worlds coexist and the values they represent.
Analysis & Theories
32 Min Read
Political Instability and the Oil Economy in MENA
The image displays several oil rigs positioned in a body of water under a cloudy sky that casts a somber, gloomy atmosphere. These massive structures, aligned across the horizon, emphasize the dominant presence of the oil industry amid political instability.
Analysis & Theories
16 Min Read
Phenomenology of Race : Identity, Relationality, and Racism
Maxine Waters, a prominent American politician, is known for her unwavering defense of civil rights and her fight against racial injustice. Throughout her career, Waters has been a steadfast advocate for marginalized communities, focusing on issues that affect people of color. Her efforts have highlighted the systemic inequalities and challenges faced by these communities. Waters’ role in the U.S. Congress has been instrumental in pushing forward legislation aimed at closing the race gap in economic opportunities, education, and healthcare. Her dedication to the cause serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of perseverance and commitment in the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
BooksAnalysis & Theories
13 Min Read
Healing Divides: The Power of Recognition in Social Justice
A group of protestors is holding signs and banners during a demonstration for fair wages. The signs read "WE ARE WORTH MORE!", "STRIKE $15", and "FIGHT FOR $15". They are advocating for a minimum wage increase to $15 per hour. This image captures their collective call for recognition of their value and the need for fair compensation in the workplace. Photo by Bob Simpson (CC BY-NC-SA)
BooksAnalysis & Theories
24 Min Read
Rethinking U.S.-China Relations Through People’s Diplomacy
Night view of the vibrant, colorfully lit Friendship Archway in Chinatown, Washington DC, symbolizing People's Diplomacy, bustling with pedestrians and cars.
BooksAnalysis & Theories
9 Min Read
The Neuroscience of Political Behavior
According to neuroscience, liberals and conservatives show differences in brain regions, with liberals having a larger anterior cingulate cortex and conservatives having a larger right amygdala.
BooksAnalysis & Theories
13 Min Read
Federalism in the 21st Century: Theory, Practice, Challenges
Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, featuring the Peace Tower, a symbol of Canadian federalism and the seat of the federal government.
BooksAnalysis & Theories
30 Min Read
Qualified Democracies: Everlasting Multi-Dimensional Innovation
Masao Maruyama, a precursor of qualified democracies, working at his desk surrounded by books and papers. Maruyama was a prominent Japanese political theorist who advocated for a deeper and more substantive approach to democracy.
Analysis & Theories
16 Min Read
Neuropolitics: Shaping Politics and Marketing
Neuropolitics: a woman sitting in a chair looking at a yellow brain
BooksAnalysis & Theories
7 Min Read
Rethinking Treason: Ethical Disclosure in Modern Times
The image shows a woman speaking at a podium during an event, with a large projected image of Edward Snowden in the background. Snowden is adjusting his glasses with one hand and looks directly ahead with a serious expression. The word "traitor" could refer to how some people perceive Snowden's actions of leaking classified NSA information. This act is seen by some as a betrayal of his country, while others view him as a courageous whistleblower who exposed government violations of privacy.
Analysis & Theories
5 Min Read
Rethinking Sovereignty: A Path to Cosmopolitan Democracy
United Nations flag flying over a classical architecture building, representing global governance and Cosmopolitan Democracy.
Analysis & Theories
16 Min Read
Health Inequality in Japan: COVID-19 and Fairness
A healthcare professional wearing a lab coat and a surgical mask is holding a test tube, likely representing medical research or testing. Images like this can underscore the importance of access to quality healthcare, as well as the disparities that exist in different regions and among different groups of people. Health inequality is a significant issue around the globe, affecting millions. Addressing these disparities is critical for improving health outcomes and ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to live healthy lives.
Analysis & Theories
11 Min Read
Citizenship, Justice, Well-Being: Japan’s Insight
This image features a serene outdoor scene of people enjoying the bloom of cherry blossoms, known as "sakura" in Japan, which could be during the traditional "hanami" season when viewing and celebrating the beauty of cherry blossoms is a cultural event. A variety of individuals are seen partaking in leisurely activities under the canopy of delicate, pale pink cherry blossom flowers that dangle elegantly from the tree branches. The atmosphere appears relaxed and convivial, with some people engaged in conversation, while others are content to simply soak in the beauty of their surroundings, embodying a sense of community and shared appreciation that transcends citizenship.
Analysis & Theories
13 Min Read
Just, Reasonable Multiculturalism Theory: A Liberal Perspective
The image portrays a moment of quiet reflection, capturing a Muslim woman in profile, her gaze directed towards an unseen horizon. This evocative black and white photograph symbolizes the complexities of multiculturalism in France, emphasizing the experiences and challenges faced by Muslim women within a diverse society.
BooksAnalysis & Theories
16 Min Read
Populist Localism: Europe’s New Political Wave
At the crossroads of local and national politics, local populist movements in Western Europe resonate with the demands of citizens who call for the defunding and reduction of politicians' power, as symbolically suggested by this cap with the slogan 'DEFUND THE POLITICIANS.' Photo by Gilbert Mercier.
Analysis & Theories
10 Min Read
Autocratic Elections: Decoding Modern Authoritarianism
Former President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan walking through a hallway surrounded by other officials, symbolizing the authority he wielded, in a context where autocratic elections have been a subject of international scrutiny.
BooksAnalysis & Theories
14 Min Read
Global Democracy Theories: Reshaping Political Authority
David Hel, prominent theorist of Cosmopolitan Global Democracy, during the seminar 'A Theory of Global Politics: From the Holocaust to the Present Day'. Photo by Fondazione Giannino Bassetti.
Analysis & Theories
19 Min Read
The Surge of Civilizational Populism
The image you've uploaded is a political cartoon depicting the concept of "Civilizational Populism." It shows Uncle Sam standing on a pedestal labeled with the phrase "America for Americans," pointing towards a crowd of diverse immigrants. In the background, we see the Statue of Liberty and a building labeled "Depot for Immigrants," which suggests the setting might be a port of entry such as Ellis Island. The cartoon appears to comment on the attitudes towards immigration and the tension between welcoming new arrivals and protecting the interests of existing citizens. The style of the cartoon is reminiscent of late 19th to early 20th-century American political cartoons, which often used caricature and satire to comment on social and political issues of the time.
Analysis & Theories
12 Min Read
Managing National Diversity: A Global Challenge
A diverse crowd demonstrating for Catalan independence, with colorful flags and a banner promoting Catalonia as a future independent state, highlighting national diversity in a European city setting.
Analysis & Theories
11 Min Read
Dynamics and Challenges of Multinational Federalism
Flags of Canada and Quebec fluttering in front of the Château Frontenac under a cloudy sky, symbolizing multinational federalism in Quebec City, where distinct cultural identities coexist within the Canadian federation.
BooksAnalysis & Theories
8 Min Read
Electoral Dynamics: Autocracies & Power Struggles
Electoral Dynamics: An authoritarian leader stands elevated in the center, overseeing his henchmen distribute bread and coins to the populace below. In the foreground, one of the henchmen discreetly hands over pre-marked ballots to the citizens. The scene, set in a city square, is intricately detailed, showing the nuances of the buildings and expressions of the people.
BooksAnalysis & Theories
8 Min Read
The Hidden Fragility of Authoritarian Regimes
Explore a visual journey through the era of authoritarian regimes, featuring iconic leaders like Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Augusto Pinochet, Mao Zedong, Benito Mussolini, Kim Il-Sung, and Fidel Castro. Unpack their strategies and vulnerabilities.
Analysis & Theories
13 Min Read
Populism in Latin America: A Closer Look
Alejandro Giammattei inaugurated at the National Theater: A New Chapter in Populism in Latin America.
Analysis & Theories
13 Min Read
Polarization in the Digital Age: Democracy at a Crossroads
Polarization in the Digital Age
Analysis & Theories
16 Min Read
Populist Right’s Stark Exclusion of the ‘Other’
Santiago Abascal, leader of the Populist Right party Vox, during an event in Murcia.
Analysis & Theories
10 Min Read
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